CVE-2018-13914 in Snapdragon Auto
Summary
by MITRE
Lack of input validation for data received from user space can lead to an out of bound array issue in Snapdragon Auto, Snapdragon Consumer IOT, Snapdragon Industrial IOT, Snapdragon Mobile, Snapdragon Wearables in version MDM9150, MDM9206, MDM9607, MDM9650, MSM8909W, MSM8996AU, SD 210/SD 212/SD 205, SD 636, SD 820A, SD 835, SDM630, SDM660, SDX20.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/12/2020
This vulnerability represents a critical buffer overflow condition that exists within multiple Qualcomm Snapdragon chipset families, specifically affecting automotive, consumer IoT, industrial IoT, mobile, and wearable device platforms. The flaw stems from insufficient validation of user-space data inputs, creating a scenario where maliciously crafted data can cause the system to access memory locations beyond the bounds of allocated arrays. This particular weakness manifests in hardware components that process data from external sources, making it particularly dangerous in embedded systems where memory corruption can lead to system instability or complete device compromise. The affected chipsets span a wide range of Qualcomm's product portfolio including the MDM9150, MDM9206, MDM9607, MDM9650, MSM8909W, MSM8996AU, SD 210/SD 212/SD 205, SD 636, SD 820A, SD 835, SDM630, SDM660, and SDX20 platforms.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows for arbitrary memory access through improper bounds checking mechanisms within the Snapdragon chipset's firmware or operating system components. When data is received from user space applications or external interfaces, the system fails to validate the size or content of this input before processing it within fixed-size arrays. This condition creates a classic buffer overflow scenario where an attacker can potentially overwrite adjacent memory locations, leading to unpredictable behavior including system crashes, data corruption, or execution of malicious code. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the widespread deployment of these chipsets across various device categories, from smartphones and tablets to automotive systems and industrial sensors, making the potential attack surface extensive.
The operational implications of this vulnerability extend beyond simple system instability to potentially enable sophisticated exploitation techniques that align with multiple ATT&CK framework tactics including privilege escalation, defense evasion, and execution. Attackers could leverage this flaw to gain unauthorized access to device functions, potentially compromising sensitive data or gaining control over critical automotive systems. The vulnerability's presence in automotive platforms specifically raises concerns about vehicle safety systems and connected car functionalities. From a cybersecurity perspective, this weakness demonstrates the importance of input validation at all levels of the system architecture, particularly in hardware components where traditional software-based mitigations may not be fully effective. The flaw's classification aligns with CWE-129, which addresses insufficient input validation, and represents a common vector for exploitation in embedded systems where hardware-level protections are insufficient.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require a multi-layered approach addressing both immediate firmware updates and broader architectural considerations. Qualcomm has released patches for affected chipsets, but deployment requires careful coordination with device manufacturers and end-users to ensure comprehensive coverage. System administrators should prioritize updating firmware on affected devices and implement network segmentation to limit potential attack vectors. The vulnerability highlights the need for robust input validation mechanisms in hardware design, particularly in SoC components that handle external data inputs. Organizations should also consider implementing runtime monitoring and anomaly detection systems to identify potential exploitation attempts. Given the nature of embedded systems and the difficulty of patching hardware components, defensive measures such as network firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and regular security assessments become critical. The incident underscores the importance of secure development practices in hardware design and the necessity of comprehensive security testing across all system layers, particularly in automotive and industrial applications where safety and reliability are paramount.