CVE-2019-14031 in Snapdragon Auto
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow can occur while parsing RSN IE containing list of PMK ID`s which are more than the buffer size in Snapdragon Auto, Snapdragon Compute, Snapdragon Connectivity, Snapdragon Consumer Electronics Connectivity, Snapdragon Consumer IOT, Snapdragon Industrial IOT, Snapdragon IoT, Snapdragon Mobile, Snapdragon Voice & Music, Snapdragon Wired Infrastructure and Networking in APQ8009, APQ8017, APQ8053, APQ8064, APQ8096, APQ8096AU, APQ8098, IPQ6018, IPQ8074, MDM9206, MDM9207C, MDM9607, MDM9640, MDM9650, MSM8996, MSM8996AU, MSM8998, Nicobar, QCA4531, QCA6174A, QCA6564, QCA6574, QCA6574AU, QCA6584, QCA6584AU, QCA8081, QCA9377, QCA9379, QCA9886, QCN7605, QCS405, QCS605, SA6155P, SC8180X, SDA660, SDA845, SDM630, SDM636, SDM660, SDM670, SDM710, SDM845, SDM850, SDX20, SDX24, SM6150, SM7150, SM8150, SM8250, SXR1130, SXR2130
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/06/2020
This vulnerability represents a critical buffer overflow condition within the wireless networking stack of Qualcomm Snapdragon chipsets, specifically affecting the parsing of Robust Security Network Information Elements that contain PMKID lists. The flaw manifests when the system encounters RSN IEs with PMKID entries that exceed the allocated buffer space, creating an opportunity for arbitrary code execution or system instability. The vulnerability impacts a vast array of Qualcomm processors used across automotive, consumer electronics, industrial IoT, and networking applications, making it particularly concerning given the widespread deployment of these chipsets in critical infrastructure and mobile devices. The buffer overflow occurs during the processing of wireless network authentication frames, where the system fails to properly validate the length of PMKID lists before copying them into fixed-size buffers, creating a classic stack-based buffer overflow scenario.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the wireless protocol parser component of the Snapdragon chipset firmware. When processing RSN Information Elements, the system attempts to parse PMKID (Pairwise Master Key Identifier) lists without adequate bounds checking, allowing maliciously crafted wireless frames to overwrite adjacent memory regions. This flaw aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and represents a common attack vector in wireless security contexts. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be triggered through legitimate wireless network traffic without requiring physical access or specialized authentication, making it an attractive target for remote exploitation. The affected chipsets span multiple generations and application domains, from automotive infotainment systems to industrial networking equipment, creating a broad attack surface.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple system crashes or hangs, as it provides potential attackers with pathways for privilege escalation and persistent access to affected devices. Attackers could exploit this condition to inject malicious code, modify system behavior, or potentially gain root access to embedded systems that rely on these chipsets. The vulnerability's presence in automotive platforms like Snapdragon Auto raises significant safety concerns, as compromised vehicle systems could affect driver safety and vehicle functionality. Additionally, the widespread deployment of these chipsets in consumer electronics means that millions of devices could be potentially affected, creating a substantial risk for personal data exposure and unauthorized device control. The exploitability of this condition is further enhanced by the fact that it requires no specialized credentials or authentication, as it occurs during normal wireless network processing operations.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on firmware updates from Qualcomm and device manufacturers, as well as network-level defenses to prevent malicious wireless frames from reaching affected systems. Organizations should implement network monitoring to detect anomalous wireless traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, while also considering temporary network isolation of affected devices until patches are deployed. The vulnerability's classification under ATT&CK framework as a privilege escalation technique through software exploitation highlights the need for comprehensive security monitoring and incident response procedures. Device administrators should prioritize patch management for all affected Snapdragon chipsets, particularly in critical infrastructure environments where the risk of exploitation could result in significant operational disruption or safety hazards. Given the complexity of the affected ecosystem and the potential for supply chain attacks, continuous security assessment and monitoring of wireless network traffic remains essential for maintaining system integrity.