CVE-2018-3593 in Android
Summary
by MITRE
In Android before security patch level 2018-04-05 on Qualcomm Snapdragon Automobile, Snapdragon Mobile, and Snapdragon Wear MDM9206, MDM9607, MDM9650, MSM8909W, SD 210/SD 212/SD 205, SD 400, SD 425, SD 430, SD 450, SD 615/16/SD 415, SD 617, SD 625, SD 650/52, SD 808, SD 810, SD 820, SD 820A, SD 835, SD 845, repeated enable/disable eMBMS requests may result in a double free condition.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/24/2020
This vulnerability exists within the Qualcomm Snapdragon automotive and mobile platform components affecting multiple chipsets including the MDM9206, MDM9607, MDM9650, MSM8909W, and various SD series processors. The flaw manifests when repeated enable/disable requests are made for eMBMS (enhanced Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Service) functionality, creating a scenario where memory management operations become corrupted. The double free condition occurs when the system attempts to release the same memory block twice, leading to potential memory corruption that could be exploited by malicious actors.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate memory management within the eMBMS subsystem of the Qualcomm modem firmware. When multiple enable/disable requests are processed in rapid succession, the underlying memory allocation routines fail to properly track memory references, resulting in the same memory region being freed twice. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-415: Double Free category, which represents a well-known class of memory corruption vulnerabilities that can lead to arbitrary code execution or system instability. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in automotive environments where reliable system operation is critical for safety and functionality.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple system crashes or instability, as it creates potential attack vectors for malicious actors seeking to compromise automotive infotainment systems or mobile devices. In automotive applications, this could potentially affect vehicle connectivity, navigation systems, or even safety-critical functions that rely on cellular communication. The vulnerability affects a wide range of Snapdragon chipsets spanning multiple generations, making it particularly widespread across automotive and mobile deployments. Attackers could exploit this condition to execute arbitrary code, potentially gaining unauthorized access to vehicle systems or mobile device functionality. The vulnerability's presence in automotive platforms raises concerns about the security posture of connected vehicles and their susceptibility to remote exploitation.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily involve applying the relevant security patches released by Qualcomm and device manufacturers. Organizations should prioritize updating all affected Snapdragon-based systems to the latest security patch level, particularly those deployed in automotive environments. System administrators should implement monitoring for unusual memory allocation patterns or system instability that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, network segmentation and access controls should be enforced to limit potential attack surfaces. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper memory management practices in embedded systems and highlights the need for comprehensive security testing of automotive platforms. Device manufacturers should also consider implementing additional runtime protections and memory sanitization techniques to detect and prevent similar issues in future deployments. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical security considerations required for automotive cybersecurity, particularly in relation to the ATT&CK framework's system binary exploitation techniques that target memory corruption vulnerabilities in embedded systems.