CVE-2019-2267 in Snapdragon Auto
Summary
by MITRE
Locked regions may be modified through other interfaces in secure boot loader image due to improper access control. in Snapdragon Auto, Snapdragon Compute, Snapdragon Connectivity, Snapdragon Consumer IOT, Snapdragon Industrial IOT, Snapdragon Mobile, Snapdragon Wired Infrastructure and Networking in MDM9205, QCS404, QCS605, SDA845, SDM670, SDM710, SDM845, SDM850, SM8150, SXR1130, SXR2130
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/21/2020
This vulnerability resides in the secure boot loader implementation across multiple Qualcomm Snapdragon chipsets, specifically affecting automotive, mobile, and IoT device variants. The core issue involves improper access control mechanisms that allow unauthorized modification of locked regions through alternative interfaces. When a bootloader implements secure boot processes, it typically establishes protected memory regions that contain critical system components and cryptographic keys. These locked regions are designed to prevent tampering and maintain system integrity throughout the boot process. However, the flaw manifests when other interfaces within the same secure boot chain fail to properly validate access permissions, creating a pathway for malicious actors to bypass intended protection measures.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient validation controls that should enforce access restrictions on memory regions during the secure boot process. In systems implementing secure boot, the bootloader must ensure that only authorized components can modify protected sections of memory, particularly those containing the boot process itself, cryptographic keys, or system configuration parameters. The improper access control implementation allows interfaces that are not directly involved in the primary secure boot flow to potentially write to these locked regions, effectively undermining the entire security architecture. This misconfiguration creates a privilege escalation scenario where unauthorized modifications can occur even when the system appears to be operating under secure boot protection.
The operational impact of this vulnerability across the affected Snapdragon chipsets is significant, particularly in automotive and industrial applications where security is paramount. Devices utilizing these chipsets in critical infrastructure or autonomous systems could be compromised through firmware manipulation, potentially leading to complete system takeover or unauthorized access to sensitive data. The vulnerability affects multiple generations of Qualcomm processors including the SDA845, SDM670, SDM710, SDM845, SDM850, and SM8150, indicating a widespread issue that impacts both consumer and enterprise deployments. Attackers could leverage this weakness to install malicious firmware, modify boot parameters, or extract sensitive cryptographic material, all while bypassing the expected secure boot protections that are fundamental to device security.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability maps directly to CWE-284 Access Control Issues, specifically related to improper access control in secure boot implementations. The flaw aligns with ATT&CK technique T1014 Rootkit, as it enables persistent modification of system boot components without detection. Additionally, it relates to T1542.001 File System Permissions Modification, where unauthorized access to protected system files is achieved through alternative interface exploitation. The vulnerability represents a critical weakness in the layered security model of embedded systems, where the failure of one security control (access validation) allows bypass of multiple dependent security measures. Organizations deploying devices with these chipsets should consider immediate firmware updates, implementation of runtime integrity monitoring, and enhanced physical security measures to prevent exploitation of this access control weakness.
The scope of this vulnerability extends beyond simple firmware modification to encompass potential supply chain attacks and persistent system compromise. Given that these chipsets are used in diverse applications from smartphones to automotive systems, the exploitation could result in widespread security breaches affecting multiple industries. The impact is particularly concerning in automotive environments where such vulnerabilities could compromise vehicle safety systems or enable remote access to critical vehicle functions, highlighting the need for comprehensive security assessments and proactive mitigation strategies across all affected platforms.