CVE-2019-14011 in Snapdragon Auto
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple Read overflows issue due to improper length check while decoding 3G attach accept/ SMS/ pdn connection reject/ esm data transport/ bearer modify context reject in Snapdragon Auto, Snapdragon Compute, Snapdragon Consumer IOT, Snapdragon Industrial IOT, Snapdragon IoT, Snapdragon Mobile, Snapdragon Voice & Music, Snapdragon Wearables in APQ8009, APQ8053, APQ8096, APQ8096AU, APQ8098, MDM9150, MDM9205, MDM9206, MDM9207C, MDM9607, MDM9625, 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 read overflow condition affecting multiple Qualcomm Snapdragon chipsets across various automotive, mobile, and IoT product lines. The issue stems from inadequate length validation during the decoding process of several key protocol messages including 3G attach accept, SMS, pdn connection reject, esm data transport, and bearer modify context reject. These messages are fundamental components of cellular network communication protocols that govern how devices connect to and interact with mobile networks. The improper length checking mechanism allows malicious actors to craft specially formatted packets that can cause the receiving system to read beyond allocated memory boundaries, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution or system crashes.
The technical flaw manifests in the protocol stack implementation where the system fails to properly validate the length field of incoming messages before attempting to parse their contents. When a malformed packet arrives containing an oversized length indicator, the decoder continues reading memory beyond the intended buffer boundaries, causing memory corruption that can be exploited by attackers. This vulnerability affects a broad range of Qualcomm SoCs including the APQ8009, APQ8053, APQ8096, and numerous other models across different product families. The impact is particularly severe given that these chipsets power millions of devices globally, from smartphones and tablets to automotive systems and industrial IoT deployments. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-125: Out-of-bounds Read, which specifically addresses situations where programs access memory locations beyond the intended buffer boundaries.
The operational implications of this vulnerability extend far beyond simple system instability, as it represents a potential pathway for remote code execution attacks. Attackers could leverage this weakness to compromise connected devices, potentially gaining unauthorized access to sensitive data or executing malicious code on target systems. The widespread deployment of affected chipsets across automotive, industrial, and consumer markets means that the attack surface is extensive, potentially affecting vehicle infotainment systems, industrial control equipment, and mobile devices. The vulnerability's presence in both mobile and automotive SoCs particularly raises concerns about automotive cybersecurity, as it could enable attacks on vehicle communication systems that rely on cellular connectivity for features such as emergency services, navigation, and over-the-air updates.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate firmware updates from device manufacturers, as Qualcomm has released patches addressing this specific vulnerability. System administrators should implement network monitoring to detect anomalous traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, particularly focusing on malformed 3GPP protocol messages. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under T1059.007: Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell, as attackers may use similar techniques to establish persistence through compromised communication protocols. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation, particularly in industrial environments where these chipsets are deployed. Device manufacturers should conduct thorough security assessments of their software stacks and ensure proper input validation mechanisms are in place for all protocol message handling. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of robust memory safety practices in embedded systems and demonstrates the need for comprehensive security testing throughout the development lifecycle of automotive and IoT products.