CVE-2019-14012 in Snapdragon Auto
Summary
by MITRE
Possibility of null pointer deference as the array of video codecs from media info is referenced without null checking while processing SDP messages in Snapdragon Auto, Snapdragon Compute, Snapdragon Consumer IOT, Snapdragon Industrial IOT, Snapdragon Mobile, Snapdragon Wearables in MSM8905, MSM8909, MSM8917, MSM8920, MSM8937, MSM8940, MSM8953, Nicobar, QCM2150, QM215, Rennell, SC7180, SC8180X, SDA845, SDM429, SDM439, SDM450, SDM632, SDM845, SDM850, SDX24, SM6150, SM7150, SM8150
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/17/2020
This vulnerability represents a critical null pointer dereference flaw in the media processing stack of various Qualcomm Snapdragon chipsets, specifically affecting automotive, mobile, and IoT device ecosystems. The issue manifests when processing SDP (Session Description Protocol) messages within the media information framework, where the system attempts to reference an array of video codecs without proper null validation checks. This fundamental programming error creates an exploitable condition that can lead to system instability and potential denial of service scenarios across a wide range of Qualcomm-based devices including automotive infotainment systems, mobile smartphones, and industrial IoT deployments. The vulnerability impacts multiple generations of Snapdragon processors including MSM8905, MSM8909, MSM8917, and various other models spanning different product lines such as SDA845, SDM429, and SM6150, indicating a widespread exposure across Qualcomm's chipset portfolio.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-476 which specifically addresses null pointer dereference conditions in software systems. When an SDP message is processed, the media information parser attempts to access codec information from an array structure that may not have been properly initialized or validated for null values. This particular flaw operates at the intersection of network protocol handling and media processing components, where the SDP message parsing logic fails to validate array boundaries or null references before attempting to access codec data structures. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because SDP messages are commonly used in multimedia sessions and communication protocols, making this attack vector accessible through legitimate network traffic processing. The flaw exists in the Snapdragon Auto, Snapdragon Compute, and Snapdragon Mobile subsystems, indicating that the vulnerability spans across different functional domains of Qualcomm's chipsets, from automotive applications to consumer mobile devices.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple system crashes or hangs, as it can potentially enable remote code execution in certain scenarios where malicious SDP messages are crafted to exploit the null pointer dereference. Attackers could leverage this weakness to cause denial of service conditions affecting automotive infotainment systems, mobile communications, or IoT device functionality. The widespread exposure across multiple Snapdragon chipset models means that numerous device manufacturers and end users are potentially at risk, particularly those deploying devices in automotive, industrial, or mobile communication environments where SDP processing is common. This vulnerability affects not just individual devices but entire product lines and deployment scenarios, creating cascading security implications for automotive connectivity, mobile network communications, and IoT ecosystem integrity. The exploitation potential is heightened by the fact that SDP messages are routinely processed in legitimate network communication flows, making this vulnerability difficult to detect and mitigate without proper input validation mechanisms.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing robust null pointer validation checks within the media processing components that handle SDP message parsing. System administrators and device manufacturers should prioritize firmware updates and patches that address the specific null pointer dereference condition in the codec array handling logic. The implementation of defensive programming practices including array bounds checking, null validation before pointer dereference operations, and proper error handling for media information parsing should be enforced across all Snapdragon-based systems. Additionally, network monitoring and intrusion detection systems should be configured to identify and block suspicious SDP message patterns that could be used to exploit this vulnerability. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure to potentially malicious SDP message traffic, particularly in automotive and industrial environments where these vulnerabilities could have severe operational consequences. The vulnerability highlights the importance of adhering to secure coding practices and comprehensive input validation in embedded systems processing network protocols, with particular attention to the ATT&CK technique of process injection and system resource manipulation that could be leveraged through such null pointer dereference conditions.