CVE-2019-14061 in Snapdragon Auto
Summary
by MITRE
Null-pointer dereference can occur while accessing the segment element info when it is not allocated and assigned in Snapdragon Auto, Snapdragon Compute, Snapdragon Connectivity, Snapdragon Consumer IOT, Snapdragon Industrial IOT, Snapdragon IoT, Snapdragon Mobile, Snapdragon Voice & Music, Snapdragon Wearables in APQ8009, APQ8017, APQ8053, APQ8064, APQ8096AU, APQ8098, MDM9206, MDM9207C, MDM9607, MSM8905, MSM8909W, MSM8917, MSM8920, MSM8937, MSM8939, MSM8940, MSM8953, MSM8996, MSM8996AU, Nicobar, QCS405, QCS605, QM215, Rennell, Saipan, SDA660, SDA845, SDM429, SDM429W, SDM439, SDM450, SDM630, SDM632, SDM636, SDM660, SDM670, SDM710, SDM845, SDX20, SM6150, SM7150, SM8150, SM8250, SXR1130, SXR2130
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/06/2020
This vulnerability represents a critical null-pointer dereference flaw that manifests when the system attempts to access segment element information without proper allocation and assignment of the memory structure. The issue affects a wide range of Qualcomm Snapdragon chipsets spanning automotive, connectivity, consumer IoT, industrial IoT, mobile, voice, and wearable applications. The vulnerability occurs within the application processor subsystem where segment element metadata is accessed without validation of the allocation status, creating a potential crash condition that could be exploited by malicious actors.
The technical implementation of this flaw involves the processor's handling of memory segments where the system assumes a segment element has been properly initialized before attempting to access its properties. When the segment element remains unallocated or improperly assigned, the access operation results in a null-pointer dereference that causes the processor to crash or become unresponsive. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-476 which specifically addresses null pointer dereference conditions in software implementations. The flaw demonstrates a fundamental lack of input validation and proper memory management within the Snapdragon processor's memory handling routines.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple system instability to potentially enable more sophisticated attack vectors. Attackers could leverage this null-pointer dereference to cause denial of service conditions across automotive systems, mobile devices, and IoT deployments. In automotive applications, this could result in critical system failures affecting vehicle operation and safety systems. The vulnerability affects multiple generations of Snapdragon processors including both older models like the APQ8009 and APQ8017 through newer flagship designs such as the SDM845 and SM8150. The widespread nature of affected chipsets means that numerous devices across different industries could be compromised, including smartphones, tablets, automotive infotainment systems, industrial sensors, and wearable devices.
The exploitation potential of this vulnerability aligns with several tactics described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly those related to privilege escalation and denial of service attacks. The vulnerability could enable attackers to disrupt system operations without requiring elevated privileges, making it particularly dangerous in embedded systems where recovery mechanisms may be limited. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including firmware updates from device manufacturers, memory validation routines, and runtime protections to prevent exploitation. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of secure coding practices and proper memory management in processor-level software components. Given the extensive range of affected devices, comprehensive vulnerability management programs should prioritize patching efforts across all impacted Snapdragon-based platforms, with particular attention to automotive and industrial deployments where system reliability is paramount.