CVE-2018-5912 in Snapdragon Automobile
Summary
by MITRE
Potential buffer overflow in Video due to lack of input validation in input and output values in Snapdragon Automobile, Snapdragon Mobile in versions MSM8996AU, SD 450, SD 625, SD 820, SD 820A, SD 835, SD 845, SD 850, SDA660.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/04/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-5912 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the video processing subsystem of Qualcomm Snapdragon automotive and mobile platforms. This security weakness stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize both input and output values during video processing operations. The vulnerability affects a broad range of Qualcomm Snapdragon chipsets including MSM8996AU, SD 450, SD 625, SD 820, SD 820A, SD 835, SD 845, SD 850, and SDA660, indicating a widespread impact across multiple generations of mobile and automotive processors. The flaw specifically manifests in the video decoding and encoding components where insufficient bounds checking allows maliciously crafted video data to overwrite adjacent memory regions, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution or system instability.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient validation of input data permits memory corruption. The attack surface is particularly concerning given the automotive applications where these chipsets are deployed, as they control critical vehicle systems including infotainment, navigation, and advanced driver assistance systems. The lack of proper input validation in video processing pipelines creates opportunities for attackers to craft specially formatted video content that, when processed by the affected Snapdragon chips, triggers the buffer overflow condition. This vulnerability operates at the intersection of software security and hardware platform integrity, where the processor's video acceleration capabilities become a vector for memory corruption attacks.
Operational impact of CVE-2018-5912 extends beyond simple system crashes to potentially enable remote code execution capabilities that could compromise vehicle security systems. The automotive context introduces additional attack vectors through connected vehicle technologies, where malicious video content delivered via wireless networks or compromised media sources could exploit this vulnerability. Attackers could leverage this flaw to execute arbitrary code on affected vehicles, potentially gaining control over critical systems such as engine management, braking systems, or communication modules. The vulnerability's presence in multiple Snapdragon variants suggests that automotive manufacturers using these processors across their vehicle lineups face widespread exposure, with potential implications for vehicle safety and cybersecurity compliance. The attack scenario would typically involve delivery of malicious video content through compromised media sources or network-based attacks targeting the vehicle's infotainment system.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-5912 should focus on both immediate patching and architectural defenses. Qualcomm released security updates addressing this vulnerability, and affected automotive manufacturers must implement these patches promptly to protect their vehicle fleets. Network segmentation and content filtering mechanisms should be deployed to prevent malicious video content from reaching affected systems, particularly in automotive environments where continuous connectivity exposes vehicles to potential attacks. The implementation of input validation controls at multiple layers including application-level sanitization, network-level filtering, and hardware-based memory protection mechanisms provides comprehensive defense. Organizations should also consider deploying intrusion detection systems that monitor for anomalous video processing patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Given the ATT&CK framework classification for this vulnerability, defensive measures should include process monitoring, memory protection enforcement, and regular security assessments of automotive infotainment systems to prevent exploitation of this buffer overflow condition.