CVE-2018-13902 in Snapdragon Auto
Summary
by MITRE
Out of bounds memory read and access due to improper array index validation may lead to unexpected behavior while decoding XTRA file in Snapdragon Auto, Snapdragon Compute, Snapdragon Consumer IOT, Snapdragon Industrial IOT, Snapdragon IoT, Snapdragon Mobile, Snapdragon Voice & Music, Snapdragon Wearables in MDM9150, MDM9206, MDM9607, MDM9615, MDM9635M, MDM9640, MDM9650, MDM9655, MSM8909W, MSM8996AU, QCS605, Qualcomm 215, SD 210/SD 212/SD 205, SD 425, SD 427, SD 430, SD 435, SD 439 / SD 429, SD 450, SD 625, SD 632, SD 636, SD 650/52, SD 675, SD 712 / SD 710 / SD 670, SD 730, SD 820, SD 820A, SD 835, SD 845 / SD 850, SD 855, SD 8CX, SDA660, SDM439, SDM630, SDM660, SDX20, Snapdragon_High_Med_2016, SXR1130
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/24/2020
This vulnerability represents a critical out-of-bounds memory read condition that occurs during the decoding process of XTRA files within Qualcomm Snapdragon automotive and mobile platforms. The flaw stems from inadequate validation of array indices when processing XTRA file data structures, creating a scenario where maliciously crafted XTRA files could trigger memory access violations. The vulnerability affects a comprehensive range of Qualcomm chipsets including the MDM9150, MDM9206, MDM9607, and numerous mobile processors such as the SD 845, SD 855, and Snapdragon 712. The issue manifests specifically during the interpretation of location data contained within XTRA files, which are commonly used in GPS and location-based services. This memory access violation can potentially lead to system instability, application crashes, or in severe cases, arbitrary code execution depending on the execution context and memory layout. The flaw is categorized under CWE-129 as an insufficient input validation of array indices, which directly maps to the improper bounds checking mechanism that allows memory access beyond allocated buffer boundaries.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends across multiple automotive and consumer IoT domains where Qualcomm Snapdragon processors are extensively deployed. In automotive applications such as Snapdragon Auto platforms, the vulnerability could compromise vehicle navigation systems, potentially leading to incorrect route calculations or complete system failures during critical driving operations. For mobile devices and wearables, the flaw may result in unexpected application behavior, service interruptions, or even complete device instability when processing location-based services or GPS data. The exploitation of this vulnerability requires the attacker to craft a malicious XTRA file that triggers the specific memory access pattern, making it a targeted attack vector rather than a widespread system compromise. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, as it could enable attackers to execute code within the context of location services or GPS processing applications. The affected hardware spans from entry-level processors like the SD 210 to flagship devices such as the SD 855, indicating the widespread nature of the potential impact across Qualcomm's product portfolio.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing robust input validation mechanisms and memory boundary checks within the XTRA file processing components. System vendors and device manufacturers must ensure that all incoming XTRA files undergo rigorous validation before processing, including bounds checking of array indices and proper validation of file structures. The implementation should include defensive programming practices such as using safe string manipulation functions and employing memory protection mechanisms like stack canaries or address space layout randomization. Firmware updates and security patches should be deployed immediately to address this vulnerability across affected platforms, with particular attention to automotive systems where reliability and safety are paramount. Network operators and service providers should also monitor for potentially malicious XTRA files and implement content filtering mechanisms to prevent the delivery of harmful location data to affected devices. Security monitoring solutions should be enhanced to detect anomalous behavior patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts, and system administrators should implement regular security assessments to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in related components. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices in embedded systems and highlights the need for comprehensive security testing of automotive and IoT platforms where memory safety is critical for system reliability and user safety.