CVE-2019-2276 in Snapdragon Auto
Summary
by MITRE
Possible out of bound read occurs while processing beaconing request due to lack of check on action frames received from user controlled space in Snapdragon Auto, Snapdragon Consumer Electronics Connectivity, Snapdragon Consumer IOT, Snapdragon Mobile, Snapdragon Voice & Music in MDM9607, MSM8996AU, QCA6174A, QCA6574AU, QCA9377, QCA9379, QCS405, QCS605, SD 636, SD 665, SD 675, SD 712 / SD 710 / SD 670, SD 730, SD 820A, SD 845 / SD 850, SD 855, SDM630, SDM660, SDX24
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/12/2020
This vulnerability represents a critical out-of-bounds read condition that manifests during beacon processing within wireless communication subsystems of various Qualcomm chipsets. The flaw originates from insufficient validation of action frames received from untrusted user-controlled spaces, creating a scenario where maliciously crafted wireless packets can trigger memory access violations. The vulnerability affects a broad range of Snapdragon automotive and consumer connectivity solutions, spanning multiple generations of mobile and IoT processors including the MDM9607, MSM8996AU, and various QCA and SD series chipsets. The root cause stems from inadequate input sanitization within the wireless protocol stack where beacon requests are processed without proper bounds checking on action frame parameters.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs at the wireless driver level where beacon frames containing action requests are parsed without validating the length or structure of received data segments. When processing these frames, the system attempts to read memory locations beyond the allocated buffer boundaries, potentially exposing sensitive data or causing system instability. This type of flaw falls under the CWE-125 weakness category, specifically representing an out-of-bounds read vulnerability that can lead to information disclosure or denial of service conditions. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that these chipsets are deployed in automotive systems, consumer electronics, and IoT devices where wireless connectivity is fundamental to operation.
Operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios, as it can potentially enable information leakage from memory regions containing sensitive operational data. The affected platforms include automotive connectivity modules that handle critical vehicle functions, consumer electronics with wireless capabilities, and IoT devices that may contain proprietary information or authentication credentials. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to extract memory contents, potentially including cryptographic keys, authentication tokens, or other sensitive information stored in memory regions accessible through the wireless interface. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in automotive contexts where it could compromise vehicle security systems or enable unauthorized access to vehicle control functions, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1059 for command and control through wireless protocols.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate firmware updates from device manufacturers and chipset vendors to address the bounds checking deficiencies in wireless protocol handling. System administrators should implement network monitoring to detect anomalous beacon frames that may indicate exploitation attempts, while also ensuring that wireless interfaces are properly secured through authentication and encryption mechanisms. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation in embedded systems and wireless protocols, particularly in automotive and industrial applications where security failures can have severe consequences. Device manufacturers should conduct comprehensive security reviews of their wireless protocol implementations and implement proper bounds checking mechanisms to prevent similar vulnerabilities in future deployments. Additionally, network segmentation and wireless access control should be strengthened to limit potential attack vectors while awaiting official patches for affected platforms.