CVE-2018-5917 in Snapdragon Automobile
Summary
by MITRE
Possible buffer overflow in OEM crypto function due to improper input validation in Snapdragon Automobile, Snapdragon Mobile in versions MSM8996AU, SD 425, SD 430, SD 450, SD 625, SD 820, SD 820A, SD 835, SD 845, SD 850, SDA660, SDA845, SDX24, SXR1130.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/04/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-5917 represents a critical buffer overflow condition within the OEM crypto function of Qualcomm Snapdragon automotive and mobile platforms. This flaw stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize or verify the length and content of data processed by cryptographic operations. The vulnerability affects a broad range of Snapdragon chipsets including the MSM8996AU, SD 425, SD 430, SD 450, SD 625, SD 820, SD 820A, SD 835, SD 845, SD 850, SDA660, SDA845, SDX24, and SXR1130 processors, indicating a widespread impact across Qualcomm's automotive and mobile product lines. The buffer overflow occurs specifically within the OEM crypto function, which handles cryptographic operations for secure data processing and authentication mechanisms.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability manifests when the cryptographic function receives input data that exceeds the allocated buffer space without proper bounds checking. This improper input validation creates an opportunity for attackers to craft malicious inputs that can overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution or system instability. The flaw operates at the kernel level within the cryptographic subsystem, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited to compromise the entire secure element of the device. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and represents a classic example of insufficient input validation that allows attackers to manipulate memory layout and execution flow.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-5917 extends significantly across automotive and mobile environments where Snapdragon processors are deployed. In automotive applications, this vulnerability could potentially enable attackers to compromise vehicle security systems, access sensitive data, or manipulate critical functions through the automotive infotainment system or telematics units. Mobile device exploitation could result in unauthorized access to encrypted data, credential theft, or complete device compromise. The vulnerability's presence in multiple Snapdragon variants means that a single attack vector could potentially affect thousands of devices across different manufacturers, creating a substantial risk landscape. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059 (Command and Scripting Interpreter) and T1547 (Registry Run Keys/Startup Folder) as exploitation could lead to persistent access and command execution within the affected systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-5917 require immediate firmware and software updates from device manufacturers, as Qualcomm has released patches addressing the buffer overflow condition. System administrators should prioritize deployment of these updates across all affected devices, particularly in automotive environments where security is paramount. Additional protective measures include implementing network segmentation to limit access to vulnerable systems, monitoring for anomalous cryptographic function behavior, and deploying intrusion detection systems that can identify potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of secure coding practices and input validation in cryptographic implementations, with recommendations to apply bounds checking and memory safety mechanisms to prevent similar issues in future development cycles. Organizations should also consider implementing runtime protection mechanisms such as stack canaries or address space layout randomization to mitigate potential exploitation attempts.