CVE-2019-14038 in Snapdragon Auto
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer over-read in ADSP parse function due to lack of check for availability of sufficient data payload received in command response in Snapdragon Auto, Snapdragon Compute, Snapdragon Consumer IOT, Snapdragon Industrial IOT, Snapdragon IoT, Snapdragon Mobile, Snapdragon Voice & Music, Snapdragon Wearables in APQ8009, APQ8053, APQ8098, MDM9206, MDM9207C, MDM9607, MDM9640, MDM9650, MSM8905, MSM8909W, MSM8917, MSM8953, QCS605, SDA660, SDA845, SDM429, SDM429W, SDM439, SDM670, SDM710, SDM845, SDX20, SDX24
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/21/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-14038 represents a critical buffer over-read condition affecting multiple Qualcomm Snapdragon chipset variants used across automotive, mobile, and IoT devices. This flaw exists within the ADSP (Application Digital Signal Processor) parse function where insufficient validation occurs for the data payload received in command responses. The issue stems from the absence of proper bounds checking mechanisms that would normally verify whether sufficient data exists before attempting to process it, creating a scenario where the parser reads beyond allocated memory boundaries.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the ADSP component receives command responses containing insufficient payload data, yet the parse function continues processing without verifying data availability. This condition creates a predictable over-read behavior that can be exploited by malicious actors to access adjacent memory regions. The flaw manifests across numerous Qualcomm chipsets including APQ8009, APQ8053, APQ8098, and various MDM and MSM series processors, indicating a widespread impact across multiple product lines. The vulnerability specifically affects systems where ADSP functionality is utilized for command processing and response handling, which is common in automotive infotainment systems, mobile devices, and IoT deployments.
From an operational perspective, this buffer over-read vulnerability presents significant security implications that align with CWE-125 buffer over-read weakness classification. Attackers could potentially leverage this flaw to execute arbitrary code, escalate privileges, or cause system instability by reading sensitive memory contents. The impact extends beyond simple data corruption since the over-read could expose confidential information stored in adjacent memory segments, potentially including cryptographic keys, user credentials, or system configuration data. The vulnerability's presence across automotive and industrial IoT deployments raises particular concerns given the critical nature of these environments where system reliability and data security are paramount. This flaw represents a persistent risk that could be exploited during normal device operation when command responses are processed, making it particularly dangerous as it requires no special privileges or user interaction to potentially trigger.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-14038 should focus on implementing proper input validation and bounds checking within the ADSP parse functions. Device manufacturers should ensure that all command response data is verified for sufficient payload length before processing begins, with appropriate error handling mechanisms to prevent memory access violations. The solution approach aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 for bypassing system protections and T1547 for privilege escalation, making comprehensive patching essential. Security teams should also implement monitoring for anomalous command processing patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Regular firmware updates and secure coding practices incorporating defensive programming techniques will help prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in future implementations. The vulnerability's widespread presence across multiple chipsets emphasizes the importance of coordinated patch management across all affected platforms to ensure comprehensive protection against potential exploitation attempts.