CVE-2018-3624 in XMM71xx
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in ETWS processing module Intel XMM71xx, XMM72xx, XMM73xx, XMM74xx and Sofia 3G/R allows remote attacker to potentially execute arbitrary code via an adjacent network.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/22/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-3624 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the ETWS processing module of Intel XMM71xx, XMM72xx, XMM73xx, XMM74xx, and Sofia 3G/R modem families. This issue resides in the cellular modem firmware that handles Extended Telephony Wireless Services processing, which is integral to 3G and 4G connectivity operations. The flaw manifests when the modem receives specially crafted data packets that exceed the allocated buffer space during ETWS message processing, creating potential for unauthorized code execution. The vulnerability is particularly concerning due to its remote exploitability, meaning attackers can leverage adjacent network access to trigger the buffer overflow without requiring physical proximity to the target device.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the ETWS processing component of the modem firmware. When processing incoming telephony messages, the system fails to properly bounds-check the size of incoming data structures, allowing malicious actors to overflow the designated memory buffer. This buffer overflow condition can be exploited to overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially corrupting program execution flow and enabling arbitrary code execution. The flaw is categorized under CWE-121 as a stack-based buffer overflow, which is a well-documented class of vulnerabilities that has been consistently exploited in various networking and telecommunications systems. The attack vector requires only adjacent network access, making it particularly dangerous in environments where wireless networks are accessible to unauthorized parties, such as public Wi-Fi networks or cellular infrastructure.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-3624 extends beyond simple code execution capabilities to encompass broader security implications for mobile devices and network infrastructure. Devices utilizing affected Intel modems could be compromised remotely, potentially allowing attackers to gain unauthorized access to cellular communications, intercept sensitive data, or establish persistent backdoors within connected systems. The vulnerability affects a wide range of mobile devices including smartphones, tablets, and IoT devices that rely on these modem chipsets for cellular connectivity. In enterprise environments, this could compromise mobile workforce security, particularly affecting devices used in sensitive industries such as healthcare, finance, and government sectors where mobile communication security is paramount. The vulnerability also has implications for network infrastructure providers who may need to assess their modem fleet security and implement mitigation strategies.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-3624 should focus on both immediate firmware updates and network-level protections. Intel released firmware updates addressing this vulnerability, which should be deployed immediately on affected devices and infrastructure. Organizations should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit adjacent network access to critical systems, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1046 for network service scanning and T1071 for application layer protocols. Network monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous ETWS message patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts. Device manufacturers should consider implementing runtime protections such as stack canaries, address space layout randomization, and non-executable stack protections. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure firmware development practices and regular security assessments of embedded systems, particularly those handling telecommunications protocols. Additionally, organizations should maintain detailed inventories of all devices utilizing affected Intel modems to ensure comprehensive remediation efforts across their entire infrastructure.