CVE-2019-14071 in Snapdragon Auto
Summary
by MITRE
Compromised reset handler may bypass access control due to AC config is being reset if debug path is enabled to collect secure or non-secure ram dumps in Snapdragon Auto, Snapdragon Compute, Snapdragon Connectivity, Snapdragon Consumer IOT, Snapdragon Industrial IOT, Snapdragon Mobile, Snapdragon Voice & Music, Snapdragon Wired Infrastructure and Networking in APQ8017, APQ8053, APQ8096, APQ8096AU, IPQ6018, MDM9205, MSM8917, MSM8920, MSM8937, MSM8940, MSM8953, MSM8996, MSM8996AU, MSM8998, Nicobar, QCM2150, QCS404, QCS405, QCS605, QM215, Rennell, SA6155P, SC8180X, SDA660, SDA845, SDM429, SDM439, SDM450, SDM630, SDM632, SDM636, SDM660, SDM670, SDM710, SDM845, SDM850, SDX24, SDX55, SM6150, SM7150, SM8150, SXR1130, SXR2130
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/06/2020
This vulnerability affects a wide range of Qualcomm Snapdragon automotive, mobile, and IoT platforms where a compromised reset handler can bypass access control mechanisms. The flaw occurs when the debug path is enabled to collect secure or non-secure ram dumps, causing the access control configuration to be reset. This represents a critical security weakness in the hardware security architecture that undermines fundamental trust boundaries between secure and non-secure execution environments. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects multiple generations of Qualcomm processors including the APQ8017, APQ8053, APQ8096, and various MSM and SDA series processors. The reset handler's compromised state allows unauthorized access to memory regions that should remain protected, potentially enabling attackers to extract sensitive data or execute malicious code in privileged execution contexts.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of reset sequences when debug functionality is active. When debug paths are enabled for ram dump collection, the system's access control configuration becomes vulnerable to reset operations that should only occur under controlled conditions. This creates a window of opportunity where attackers can manipulate the reset handler to bypass security mechanisms that normally enforce access control policies. The flaw is classified under CWE-284 Access Control Bypass, which specifically addresses situations where improper access control mechanisms allow unauthorized access to resources. The vulnerability demonstrates a failure in the secure boot process and memory protection mechanisms that are essential for maintaining the integrity of security boundaries within embedded systems.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends across multiple security domains including automotive systems, industrial IoT deployments, and mobile platforms where secure memory access is critical. Attackers could potentially exploit this weakness to access secure memory regions containing cryptographic keys, authentication credentials, or sensitive application data. The vulnerability affects systems that rely on Qualcomm's hardware security modules and TrustZone technology, where the compromised reset handler could allow privilege escalation from non-secure to secure world execution contexts. This represents a significant risk for automotive applications where vehicle security systems, infotainment systems, and telematics modules may be compromised. The potential for remote exploitation exists when debug interfaces are accessible, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in connected vehicle environments where over-the-air updates and diagnostic access points are common.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate hardware and software interventions to prevent unauthorized debug access and ensure proper reset handler behavior. System administrators should disable debug interfaces when not actively required for diagnostics or development purposes, particularly in production environments. Firmware updates from Qualcomm address the reset handler behavior and implement proper access control enforcement during debug operations. The solution involves ensuring that access control configurations are preserved during reset operations even when debug paths are active. Security measures should include implementing secure boot chains that validate reset handler integrity, disabling debug interfaces by default, and monitoring for unauthorized reset operations. Organizations deploying affected platforms should conduct thorough security assessments to identify systems with active debug interfaces and ensure proper access controls are in place. This vulnerability highlights the importance of proper hardware security architecture design and the need for comprehensive testing of reset and debug pathways in security-critical systems. The ATT&CK framework classification for this vulnerability would fall under privilege escalation techniques, specifically targeting hardware security mechanisms and memory protection boundaries.