CVE-2018-5839 in Snapdragon Auto
Summary
by MITRE
Improperly configured memory protection allows read/write access to modem image from HLOS kernel in Snapdragon Auto, Snapdragon Compute, Snapdragon Consumer IOT, Snapdragon Industrial IOT, Snapdragon Mobile in versions MDM9150, MDM9615, MDM9625, MDM9635M, MDM9640, MDM9650, MDM9655, MSM8996AU, QCS605, SD 636, SD 675, SD 712 / SD 710 / SD 670, SD 820, SD 820A, SD 835, SD 845 / SD 850, SD 855, SD 8CX, SDA660, SDM630, SDM660, SDX20, SXR1130.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/19/2023
The vulnerability described in CVE-2018-5839 represents a critical memory protection flaw affecting multiple Qualcomm Snapdragon chipsets used in automotive, mobile, and IoT devices. This issue stems from improper configuration of memory protection mechanisms within the modem image, which allows the Host Linux Operating System (HLOS) kernel to access modem memory regions with read and write permissions. The affected chipsets span across various product lines including the MDM9150, MDM9615, MDM9625, MDM9635M, MDM9640, MDM9650, MDM9655, MSM8996AU, QCS605, SD 636, SD 675, SD 712/SD 710/SD 670, SD 820, SD 820A, SD 835, SD 845/SD 850, SD 855, SD 8CX, SDA660, SDM630, SDM660, SDX20, and SXR1130. The flaw exists at the kernel level within the HLOS environment, creating a pathway for unauthorized memory access that could potentially compromise the entire system's security posture.
This technical vulnerability manifests as a failure in memory protection boundaries between the application processor and the modem subsystem, allowing the kernel to directly access memory regions that should remain isolated. The improper configuration creates a privilege escalation vector where the HLOS kernel can manipulate modem firmware and memory contents without proper authorization. From a cybersecurity perspective, this represents a violation of the principle of least privilege and memory isolation, which are fundamental concepts in secure system design. The vulnerability falls under CWE-284 (Improper Access Control) and CWE-122 (Heap-based Buffer Overflow) categories, as it enables unauthorized memory access that could lead to buffer overflows and privilege escalation attacks. The flaw is particularly concerning because it affects the foundational security architecture of mobile and automotive platforms, potentially allowing attackers to compromise the modem firmware that controls cellular connectivity and device communication.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple memory access, as it could enable sophisticated attacks targeting the modem's firmware and communication protocols. Attackers could potentially modify modem configurations, intercept cellular communications, or even disable security features within the modem subsystem. This vulnerability affects a wide range of devices including automotive systems, industrial IoT deployments, and mobile devices, making it a significant concern for organizations relying on Qualcomm-based platforms for critical infrastructure. The exploitation of this vulnerability could lead to complete system compromise, as the modem serves as a core component for device connectivity and communication. From an attack framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK techniques such as privilege escalation and defense evasion, as attackers could leverage it to gain deeper system access and maintain persistence. The widespread deployment of affected chipsets across multiple device categories amplifies the potential impact, as this single vulnerability could affect thousands of devices in automotive, industrial, and consumer markets simultaneously.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate firmware updates from device manufacturers and system integrators, as Qualcomm has released patches addressing the memory protection configuration issues. Organizations should implement comprehensive device inventory management to identify all affected systems and prioritize patch deployment based on risk assessment. Network monitoring solutions should be enhanced to detect anomalous modem behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, system administrators should consider implementing additional security controls such as memory protection enforcement, kernel module signing, and runtime integrity monitoring to detect and prevent unauthorized memory access attempts. The vulnerability underscores the importance of secure boot processes and proper memory isolation mechanisms in embedded systems, particularly in automotive and industrial environments where security failures could have catastrophic consequences. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar memory protection misconfigurations in other system components, as this vulnerability represents a broader class of issues affecting modem and subsystem isolation in mobile and embedded platforms.