CVE-2019-14022 in Snapdragon Auto
Summary
by MITRE
Error occurs While extracting the ipv6_header having an invalid length due to lack of length check in Snapdragon Auto, Snapdragon Compute, Snapdragon Consumer IOT, Snapdragon Industrial IOT, Snapdragon Mobile, Snapdragon Wearables in APQ8096AU, MDM9205, MDM9206, MDM9607, MDM9640, MDM9650, MSM8905, MSM8909, MSM8917, MSM8920, MSM8937, MSM8940, MSM8953, MSM8996AU, Nicobar, QCM2150, QCS605, QM215, Rennell, SC7180, SC8180X, SDA660, SDA845, SDM429, SDM439, SDM450, SDM630, SDM632, SDM636, SDM660, SDM670, SDM710, SDM845, SDM850, SDX24, SDX55, SM6150, SM7150, SM8150, SXR1130
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/17/2020
This vulnerability represents a critical buffer over-read condition that occurs during the processing of IPv6 headers with invalid lengths within multiple Qualcomm Snapdragon automotive and mobile platform components. The flaw stems from insufficient validation of header length fields during packet parsing operations, creating a scenario where malformed IPv6 packets can trigger memory access violations that may lead to system instability or potential code execution. The vulnerability affects a broad range of Qualcomm processors including automotive platforms like APQ8096AU and consumer IoT devices such as SDA660 and SDM845, indicating a widespread impact across multiple product lines. According to CWE-129, this represents an implementation weakness where insufficient input validation allows for improper handling of malformed data structures during network packet processing.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when the network stack encounters an IPv6 packet where the header length field contains an invalid value that falls outside the expected range for legitimate IPv6 headers. Without proper bounds checking, the system proceeds to parse the header using the malformed length value, potentially causing the parser to read beyond allocated memory boundaries. This type of error typically manifests as a buffer over-read condition where the parser attempts to access memory locations that do not correspond to the intended header data, potentially exposing sensitive information or corrupting system memory. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that these platforms are deployed in automotive systems where network traffic processing is continuous and critical for vehicle operation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple system crashes, as it represents a potential pathway for remote code execution attacks. When an attacker can manipulate the IPv6 header length field to trigger this condition, they may be able to cause denial of service or potentially execute arbitrary code within the context of the network processing subsystem. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in automotive environments where vehicle connectivity and network processing are critical for safety systems. According to ATT&CK technique T1059.007, this could enable adversaries to gain persistent access to automotive systems through network-based attack vectors, while T1499.004 highlights the potential for denial of service attacks that could compromise vehicle functionality. The widespread deployment across multiple Snapdragon platforms means that numerous automotive and consumer devices could be affected simultaneously.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing robust input validation for IPv6 header length fields across all network processing components. System administrators should prioritize firmware updates from Qualcomm that include proper length checking mechanisms and bounds validation for IPv6 packet parsing. The implementation of network segmentation and firewall rules to filter malformed IPv6 traffic can provide additional protection layers. Organizations should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems that can identify anomalous IPv6 packet patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. According to NIST SP 800-40 guidelines for network security, proper input validation and bounds checking should be implemented at all network processing layers to prevent similar buffer over-read vulnerabilities. Additionally, regular security assessments of automotive network stacks should be conducted to identify and remediate similar implementation weaknesses that could be exploited in vehicle systems.