CVE-2018-3594 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, SD 210/SD 212/SD 205, SD 425, SD 430, SD 450, SD 615/16/SD 415, SD 617, SD 625, SD 650/52, SD 808, SD 820, SD 820A, SD 835, SD 845, while parsing a private frame in an ID3 tag, a buffer over-read can occur when comparing frame data with predefined owner identifier strings.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/24/2020
This vulnerability exists in Qualcomm Snapdragon automotive and mobile chipsets affecting Android devices before the 2018-04-05 security patch. The flaw occurs during ID3 tag parsing when the system processes private frames containing owner identifier strings. The buffer over-read vulnerability arises from improper bounds checking during string comparison operations, allowing attackers to manipulate memory access patterns. This issue specifically impacts devices utilizing MDM9206, MDM9607, MDM9650, SD 210/SD 212/SD 205, SD 425, SD 430, SD 450, SD 615/16/SD 415, SD 617, SD 625, SD 650/52, SD 808, SD 820, SD 820A, SD 835, and SD 845 chipsets. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-125 as an out-of-bounds read condition that can lead to information disclosure or potential code execution. According to ATT&CK framework, this represents a privilege escalation vector through malicious media file manipulation, potentially enabling attackers to gain unauthorized access to device resources.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the ID3 tag parser's handling of private frames where the system compares frame data against predefined owner identifier strings without proper validation of buffer boundaries. When processing malformed ID3 tags containing specially crafted private frames, the parsing logic fails to validate the length of the owner identifier string against the available buffer space, resulting in memory access beyond intended boundaries. This over-read condition can expose sensitive data from adjacent memory locations, potentially including cryptographic keys, system credentials, or other confidential information. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in automotive environments where media playback systems are frequently used and may be exposed to untrusted content from external sources.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-3594 extends beyond simple information disclosure to potentially enable more severe attacks including remote code execution. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by crafting malicious media files containing specially constructed ID3 tags that trigger the buffer over-read condition during playback. In automotive contexts, this could allow adversaries to compromise vehicle infotainment systems, potentially gaining access to vehicle control networks or sensitive data. The vulnerability affects a broad range of Qualcomm chipsets used across multiple Android device categories, making it particularly dangerous as it impacts both mobile and automotive systems. The exploitation requires minimal user interaction, typically just playing a malicious media file, which increases the attack surface significantly.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include applying the Android security patch released on 2018-04-05 which addresses the buffer over-read condition in ID3 tag parsing. Device manufacturers should implement proper bounds checking in media parsing libraries and conduct thorough security testing of media processing components. Organizations should also deploy network-based intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious media file patterns and implement application whitelisting policies for media applications. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of robust input validation in multimedia processing components and highlights the need for comprehensive security testing of third-party libraries used in automotive and mobile systems. Additionally, users should avoid playing media files from untrusted sources and keep their devices updated with the latest security patches to prevent exploitation of this and similar vulnerabilities.