CVE-2018-5903 in Snapdragon Auto
Summary
by MITRE
Out of bounds read occurs due to improper validation of array while processing VDEV stop response from WLAN firmware in Snapdragon Auto, Snapdragon Consumer IOT, Snapdragon Industrial IOT, Snapdragon IoT, Snapdragon Mobile, Snapdragon Voice & Music in MDM9206, MDM9607, MDM9640, MDM9650, MSM8996AU, QCS405, QCS605, SD 210/SD 212/SD 205, SD 615/16/SD 415, SD 625, SD 636, SD 650/52, SD 675, SD 712 / SD 710 / SD 670, SD 730, SD 820A, SD 835, SD 855, SDA660, SDM630, SDM660, SDX20, SDX24
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/24/2020
This vulnerability represents a critical out-of-bounds read condition that manifests when the wireless firmware processing logic fails to properly validate array boundaries during VDEV stop response handling. The flaw exists within the Qualcomm Snapdragon chipset family across multiple automotive, consumer IoT, industrial IoT, mobile, and voice/music product lines, affecting a broad range of devices including the MDM9206, MDM9607, MDM9640, MDM9650, MSM8996AU, QCS405, QCS605, and numerous SD series processors. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms that allow maliciously crafted firmware responses to trigger memory access violations beyond allocated array boundaries.
The technical implementation of this flaw occurs within the WLAN firmware communication stack where the system processes VDEV (Virtual Device) stop responses from the wireless firmware. When processing these responses, the system fails to validate the length or bounds of incoming data arrays before accessing memory locations, creating a scenario where an attacker can manipulate the firmware to cause the system to read memory beyond its intended boundaries. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-129, which specifically addresses insufficient validation of array index values, and can be categorized as a memory safety issue within the ATT&CK framework under the T1059.007 technique for command and scripting interpreter. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the firmware level, making exploitation potentially more difficult to detect and mitigate compared to application-level vulnerabilities.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends across multiple device categories and deployment scenarios, particularly affecting automotive systems that rely on Snapdragon chipsets for connectivity and safety-critical functions. An attacker exploiting this vulnerability could potentially read sensitive memory contents, including cryptographic keys, authentication credentials, or system configuration data, which could lead to unauthorized access to the device's wireless capabilities or compromise the overall system security. The broad chipset compatibility means that this vulnerability affects not only mobile devices but also industrial IoT systems, automotive infotainment systems, and consumer electronics that utilize Qualcomm's Snapdragon processors. The implications for automotive applications are particularly severe given the potential for remote code execution or data exfiltration that could compromise vehicle safety systems. The vulnerability's presence in both mobile and automotive chipsets indicates a systemic issue in the firmware validation mechanisms that requires comprehensive remediation across all affected platforms.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on firmware-level patches that implement proper array boundary validation and input sanitization before processing VDEV stop responses. System administrators and device manufacturers should prioritize immediate firmware updates across all affected Snapdragon chipsets to prevent exploitation. The mitigation approach should include implementing robust input validation controls, memory protection mechanisms, and enhanced firmware security monitoring to detect anomalous behavior patterns. Additionally, network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit potential attack vectors, while continuous monitoring for suspicious firmware communication patterns should be established. Organizations should also consider implementing device integrity verification mechanisms that can detect unauthorized firmware modifications and prevent exploitation of this and similar vulnerabilities. The vulnerability's classification as a memory safety issue emphasizes the need for comprehensive security testing and validation of firmware components to prevent similar out-of-bounds access conditions in future implementations.