CVE-2018-5867 in Snapdragon Automobile
Summary
by MITRE
Lack of checking input size can lead to buffer overflow In WideVine in snapdragon automobile, snapdragon mobile and snapdragon wear in versions MDM9206, MDM9607, MDM9635M, MDM9650, MDM9655, MSM8996AU, SD 210/SD 212/SD 205, SD 410/12, SD 425, SD 427, SD 430, SD 435, SD 439 / SD 429, SD 450, SD 625, SD 632, SD 636, SD 650/52, SD 712 / SD 710 / SD 670, SD 820, SD 820A, SD 835, SD 845 / SD 850, SDA660, SDM439, SDM630, SDM660, SDX24, Snapdragon_High_Med_2016, SXR1130
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/03/2020
The vulnerability described in CVE-2018-5867 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the WideVine content protection system implemented in various Qualcomm Snapdragon automotive and mobile platforms. This issue stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly check the size of data being processed by the WideVine component, creating a potential pathway for malicious actors to exploit memory corruption vulnerabilities. The affected hardware platforms span multiple generations of Qualcomm's Snapdragon chipsets including the MDM9206, MDM9607, MDM9635M, MDM9650, MDM9655, MSM8996AU, and numerous SD series processors from SD 210 through SD 850, along with SDA660 and SDM series variants. This widespread impact across different chipset families indicates a fundamental design flaw in the input handling mechanisms of the WideVine implementation rather than isolated component-specific issues.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to write beyond allocated memory regions. In the context of automotive and mobile platforms, this flaw becomes particularly dangerous as it could be exploited to gain unauthorized access to critical system functions through the WideVine content protection system. The buffer overflow occurs during the processing of input data within the WideVine component, potentially allowing attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations with malicious payloads. This type of vulnerability directly enables code execution attacks, as demonstrated in similar buffer overflow scenarios within automotive and mobile security contexts.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple memory corruption, as it affects the security posture of automotive infotainment systems and mobile devices that rely on Qualcomm's Snapdragon processors for their core functionality. In automotive environments, this vulnerability could potentially be exploited to compromise vehicle entertainment systems, navigation controls, or even critical safety-related systems if the affected platforms are integrated into vehicle control networks. Mobile device users face risks of unauthorized code execution, data theft, or system compromise through the exploitation of this buffer overflow condition. The vulnerability's presence in both automotive and mobile platforms creates a unified attack surface that requires coordinated mitigation strategies across multiple industries.
From a threat modeling perspective, this vulnerability maps to several ATT&CK techniques including T1059 for command and scripting interpreter execution, T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation, and T1203 for exploitation for privilege escalation. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that WideVine is designed to protect premium content and digital rights management, making it a logical target for attackers seeking to bypass content protection mechanisms. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal privileges and can potentially lead to full system compromise, making it attractive to threat actors targeting both consumer and automotive markets. Organizations implementing these platforms must consider the broader implications of this vulnerability within their security frameworks, particularly when assessing risks to connected vehicle systems and mobile device ecosystems.
Mitigation strategies should focus on firmware updates from Qualcomm, input validation improvements in the WideVine implementation, and runtime protections such as stack canaries and address space layout randomization. The vulnerability highlights the importance of robust input validation in security-critical components and the need for comprehensive security testing across all hardware platforms in automotive and mobile ecosystems. Given the widespread nature of affected chipsets, coordinated patch management across automotive and mobile device manufacturers becomes essential for comprehensive protection against this class of buffer overflow vulnerabilities.