CVE-2018-5915 in Snapdragon Automobile
Summary
by MITRE
Exception in Modem IP stack while processing IPv6 packet in snapdragon automobile, snapdragon mobile and snapdragon wear in versions MDM9607, MDM9640, MDM9650, MSM8909W, MSM8996AU, SD 210/SD 212/SD 205, SD 425, SD 430, SD 712 / SD 710 / SD 670, SD 820, SD 820A, SD 835, SD 845 / SD 850, SDA660, SDX20, SXR1130
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/03/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-5915 represents a critical flaw in the modem IP stack of Qualcomm Snapdragon automotive and mobile platforms, specifically affecting a wide range of processors including the MDM9607, MDM9640, MDM9650, MSM8909W, MSM8996AU, and various SD series chipsets. This issue manifests when processing IPv6 packets within the modem's network stack, creating a potential pathway for remote code execution and system compromise. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of malformed IPv6 packet structures during the processing phase, allowing attackers to manipulate the modem's internal state through crafted network traffic.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a buffer over-read condition that occurs when the modem processes specific IPv6 packet headers or extensions. The flaw exists in the modem's IPv6 packet parsing routine where insufficient validation occurs on packet length fields and extension header structures. This allows an attacker to construct an IPv6 packet with maliciously crafted headers that cause the modem's processing engine to read beyond allocated memory boundaries. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-129 as an insufficient validation of length fields, specifically manifesting as an improper input validation issue within the network stack component. The flaw is particularly dangerous because it operates at the modem level, which handles all cellular network communications including voice, data, and IoT connectivity for automotive systems.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability presents a severe threat to automotive cybersecurity and mobile device security, particularly in connected vehicle environments where Snapdragon chipsets are prevalent. The affected platforms include automotive systems such as the Snapdragon Automobile platforms, mobile devices like smartphones and tablets, and wearable devices that rely on Qualcomm's modem solutions. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code on the affected devices, potentially gaining full system control or disrupting critical communications. The attack vector requires only network-based delivery of malicious IPv6 packets, making it highly exploitable in environments where IPv6 traffic is present. This vulnerability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter and T1566.001 for malicious file delivery, as it enables remote code execution through network-based attacks.
The mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-5915 primarily involve firmware updates from Qualcomm that address the buffer over-read condition in the modem's IPv6 packet processing. Organizations should implement network segmentation and firewall rules to limit IPv6 traffic to only trusted sources, particularly in automotive environments where vehicle systems communicate over cellular networks. Network administrators should monitor for unusual IPv6 packet patterns and implement intrusion detection systems that can identify malformed IPv6 traffic. Device manufacturers and automotive OEMs must ensure that all affected platforms receive timely firmware updates and that system administrators maintain updated security patches. The vulnerability requires patching at the modem firmware level, which is typically delivered through device manufacturer updates or direct Qualcomm firmware updates, making coordinated patch management crucial for effective remediation.