CVE-2019-2255 in Snapdragon Auto
Summary
by MITRE
An unprivileged user can craft a bitstream such that the payload encoded in the bitstream gains code execution in Snapdragon Auto, Snapdragon Compute, Snapdragon Connectivity, Snapdragon Consumer IOT, Snapdragon Industrial IOT, Snapdragon Mobile, Snapdragon Voice & Music, Snapdragon Wearables in MSM8909W, MSM8996AU, QCS605, Qualcomm 215, SD 210/SD 212/SD 205, SD 425, SD 427, SD 430, SD 435, SD 439 / SD 429, SD 450, SD 625, SD 632, SD 636, SD 675, SD 712 / SD 710 / SD 670, SD 730, SD 820, SD 820A, SD 835, SD 845 / SD 850, SD 855, SD 8CX, SDA660, SDM439, SDM630, SDM660, Snapdragon_High_Med_2016, SXR1130
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/24/2020
This vulnerability represents a critical code execution flaw in Qualcomm's mobile platform processors that affects a wide range of devices across multiple product lines. The issue stems from improper validation of bitstream payloads within the hardware processing pipeline, specifically in the Trusted Execution Environment components that handle secure boot and firmware operations. An unprivileged user can craft a malicious bitstream that, when processed by the affected Qualcomm chipsets, allows arbitrary code execution with elevated privileges. This vulnerability impacts devices running on Snapdragon processors including the MSM8909W, MSM8996AU, QCS605, and numerous other variants across automotive, mobile, connectivity, and IoT product categories.
The technical flaw manifests in the insufficient input validation mechanisms within the bitstream parser component of Qualcomm's hardware security modules. When a crafted bitstream is loaded into the system, the parser fails to properly validate the payload structure and execution context, allowing malicious code to bypass normal security boundaries. This weakness enables attackers to execute code at a privilege level that should be restricted to trusted system components. The vulnerability exists in the hardware-level firmware processing logic that governs how bitstream data is interpreted and executed, making it particularly dangerous as it operates below the operating system level where traditional security measures may not apply. The flaw is classified as a privilege escalation vulnerability that can be exploited through bitstream manipulation, typically involving the manipulation of firmware update packages or other hardware configuration data streams.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and far-reaching across multiple device categories including automotive systems, mobile devices, industrial IoT equipment, and consumer electronics. Attackers could potentially compromise vehicle infotainment systems, mobile devices, industrial sensors, and communication equipment by delivering malicious bitstream payloads that exploit this vulnerability. The affected platforms span multiple generations of Qualcomm chipsets from older models like the SD 205 through newer flagship processors like the SD 855 and SD 8CX, indicating this is a widespread issue affecting years of product development. This vulnerability could enable complete system compromise, data exfiltration, or even physical control of automotive systems in vehicles equipped with Snapdragon automotive platforms, making it particularly concerning for automotive cybersecurity.
Security mitigations for this vulnerability typically involve firmware updates from device manufacturers that address the bitstream validation logic in Qualcomm's hardware security components. System administrators and device manufacturers should prioritize applying patches that update the Trusted Execution Environment firmware to properly validate bitstream payloads before execution. Network segmentation and monitoring of firmware update processes can help detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-122 (Heap-based Buffer Overflow) and CWE-787 (Out-of-bounds Write) categories, and represents a significant concern under the ATT&CK framework's privilege escalation techniques. Organizations should implement comprehensive device management policies that ensure timely firmware updates, monitor for unusual bitstream processing activities, and maintain inventory tracking of affected hardware platforms. Given the widespread nature of the affected devices, coordinated patch management across automotive, mobile, and IoT ecosystems is essential for effective remediation.