CVE-2018-3583 in Snapdragon Auto
Summary
by MITRE
A buffer overflow can occur while processing an extscan hotlist event in Snapdragon Auto, Snapdragon Consumer Electronics Connectivity, Snapdragon Consumer IOT, Snapdragon Industrial IOT, Snapdragon Mobile, Snapdragon Wearables in MDM9206, MDM9607, MDM9640, MDM9650, MSM8909W, MSM8996AU, QCA9379, QCS605, SD 625, SD 636, SD 820, SD 820A, SD 835, SD 855, SDA660, SDM630, SDM660, SDX20
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/24/2020
This vulnerability represents a critical buffer overflow condition within the Qualcomm Snapdragon automotive and consumer connectivity platforms that affects multiple hardware variants including the MDM9206, MDM9607, and various SD series processors. The flaw specifically manifests during the processing of extscan hotlist events, which are typically used in wireless network scanning operations for devices operating in automotive and IoT environments. The buffer overflow occurs when the system fails to properly validate the size of incoming data during extscan hotlist event handling, creating an opportunity for malicious actors to execute arbitrary code or cause system instability.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the wireless networking subsystem of these Snapdragon processors. When an extscan hotlist event is received, the system allocates a fixed-size buffer to store the event data without proper bounds checking. This allows an attacker to craft malicious input data that exceeds the allocated buffer size, leading to memory corruption that can be exploited to overwrite adjacent memory locations. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects automotive systems where reliable operation is critical, as demonstrated by the inclusion of Snapdragon Auto in the affected product list.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-3583 extends beyond simple system crashes to potentially enable remote code execution and system compromise. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to vehicle infotainment systems, industrial IoT devices, or consumer electronics that rely on these Snapdragon processors. The attack surface is broad given the widespread deployment of these processors across automotive, industrial, and consumer markets, making the potential impact significant for both individual users and enterprise environments. This vulnerability directly aligns with CWE-121, which describes the classic stack-based buffer overflow condition, and represents a prime example of how insufficient input validation can create exploitable conditions in embedded systems.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate firmware and software updates from device manufacturers, as the flaw exists at the hardware platform level within the Qualcomm processor implementations. System administrators should implement network segmentation to limit potential attack vectors and monitor for anomalous wireless scanning behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to execute arbitrary commands on affected systems. Organizations should prioritize patch management for all devices utilizing the affected Snapdragon processors, particularly those in automotive and industrial applications where safety and security are paramount. Regular security assessments of wireless networking components and implementation of intrusion detection systems can help identify potential exploitation attempts before they result in system compromise.