CVE-2019-10609 in Snapdragon Auto
Summary
by MITRE
Out of bound write can happen due to lack of check of array index value while calculating it. in Snapdragon Auto, Snapdragon Compute, Snapdragon Consumer IOT, Snapdragon Industrial IOT, Snapdragon IoT, Snapdragon Mobile, Snapdragon Voice & Music, Snapdragon Wearables in APQ8009, APQ8017, APQ8053, APQ8076, APQ8096, APQ8096AU, APQ8098, MDM9150, MDM9205, MDM9206, MDM9607, MDM9615, MDM9635M, MDM9640, MDM9645, MDM9650, MDM9655, MSM8905, MSM8909, MSM8909W, MSM8917, MSM8920, MSM8937, MSM8940, MSM8953, MSM8996AU, MSM8998, Nicobar, QCM2150, QCS605, QM215, Rennell, SC7180, SC8180X, SDA660, SDA845, SDM429, SDM429W, SDM439, SDM450, SDM630, SDM632, SDM636, SDM660, SDM670, SDM710, SDM845, SDM850, SDX20, SDX24, SDX55, SM6150, SM7150, SM8150, SXR1130
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/17/2020
This vulnerability represents a critical out-of-bounds write condition that occurs when array index values are not properly validated during calculation processes within Qualcomm's Snapdragon automotive, mobile, and IoT platform ecosystems. The flaw exists in the fundamental memory management operations where developers fail to implement adequate bounds checking mechanisms before array access operations, creating a pathway for malicious actors to manipulate memory layouts. The vulnerability affects a comprehensive range of Qualcomm chipsets including automotive platforms like APQ8009 and APQ8017, consumer IoT devices such as MDM9150 and MDM9205, and mobile processors including MSM8905, MSM8909, and MSM8937, demonstrating the widespread nature of this memory safety issue across multiple product lines.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation and index calculation routines that do not adequately verify array boundaries before memory operations occur. When an attacker can influence the calculation of array indices through manipulated inputs or predictable patterns, they can cause the system to write data beyond the allocated memory buffer, potentially overwriting adjacent memory regions. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-129, which specifically addresses insufficient validation of length of inputs to ensure they are within expected bounds. The flaw operates at the intersection of memory safety and input validation, where the absence of proper bounds checking creates exploitable conditions for buffer overflow attacks. The vulnerability's impact extends across multiple Snapdragon product families, indicating a systemic issue in the underlying software architecture rather than isolated component failures.
The operational implications of this vulnerability are severe and multifaceted, as it provides potential attackers with pathways to execute arbitrary code, escalate privileges, or cause system instability across a broad spectrum of devices. Devices utilizing affected chipsets could experience complete system compromise, with attackers potentially gaining root access to embedded systems, automotive infotainment units, or IoT devices that rely on these processors. The vulnerability's presence in automotive platforms like Snapdragon Auto systems creates additional concerns for vehicle safety and cybersecurity, as memory corruption could potentially affect critical vehicle functions. From an adversarial perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, as attackers could leverage the memory corruption to execute malicious payloads, and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation, since the out-of-bounds write could be used to gain elevated system privileges. The widespread deployment of affected chipsets across automotive, mobile, and IoT domains means that exploitation could affect millions of devices simultaneously.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate firmware and software updates from device manufacturers, as Qualcomm has likely released patches addressing the specific bounds checking deficiencies in their affected platforms. System administrators and device manufacturers should prioritize applying security patches to all affected Snapdragon chipsets, particularly those deployed in automotive systems where safety-critical operations occur. Additionally, implementing runtime protections such as stack canaries, address space layout randomization, and memory protection mechanisms can help reduce the exploitability of such vulnerabilities. The remediation process should include comprehensive code review of all array access operations to ensure proper bounds checking is implemented, particularly in critical subsystems handling user inputs or external data. Organizations should also consider network segmentation and monitoring for anomalous behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts, as the vulnerability's widespread nature means that exploitation attempts may occur across multiple device types and deployment scenarios.