CVE-2019-2328 in Snapdragon Auto
Summary
by MITRE
Possible buffer overflow when number of channels passed is more than size of channel mapping array in Snapdragon Auto, Snapdragon Compute, Snapdragon Consumer IOT, Snapdragon Industrial IOT, Snapdragon IoT, Snapdragon Mobile, Snapdragon Voice & Music, Snapdragon Wearables in MDM9150, MDM9206, MDM9607, MDM9640, MDM9650, MSM8909W, MSM8996AU, QCS405, QCS605, Qualcomm 215, SD 210/SD 212/SD 205, SD 425, SD 427, SD 430, SD 435, SD 439 / SD 429, SD 450, SD 600, SD 615/16/SD 415, SD 625, SD 632, SD 636, SD 665, SD 675, SD 712 / SD 710 / SD 670, SD 730, SD 820, SD 820A, SD 835, SD 845 / SD 850, SD 855, SDA660, SDM439, SDM630, SDM660, SDX20, SDX24
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/12/2020
This vulnerability represents a critical buffer overflow condition that occurs when the number of channels exceeds the allocated size of the channel mapping array within Qualcomm's mobile and automotive processing platforms. The flaw exists in the hardware-based multimedia processing subsystems that manage audio and video channel configurations across numerous Snapdragon chipsets spanning multiple product categories including automotive, consumer IoT, industrial IoT, mobile, voice/music, and wearable devices. The vulnerability manifests specifically in the channel mapping logic where insufficient bounds checking allows for memory corruption when processing channel configuration data that exceeds the predefined array capacity.
The technical implementation of this buffer overflow stems from inadequate input validation within the multimedia processing pipeline. When the system receives channel configuration data with a count exceeding the statically allocated channel mapping array size, the processing code fails to properly validate the input parameters before proceeding with memory operations. This condition creates a classic stack-based buffer overflow scenario where adjacent memory locations become overwritten with attacker-controlled data. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects multiple generations of Qualcomm's Snapdragon platforms, including legacy models like the MSM8909W and newer flagship processors such as the SD 855 and SDX24, indicating a widespread architectural flaw that spans decades of product development cycles.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple memory corruption to potentially enable arbitrary code execution within the multimedia processing context. Attackers could leverage this flaw by crafting malicious channel configuration data that triggers the overflow condition, potentially allowing them to execute code with the privileges of the multimedia processing subsystem. This could lead to complete system compromise, especially when combined with other exploitation techniques targeting the same processing pipeline. The vulnerability affects devices running various operating systems including Android, QNX, and other embedded platforms that utilize Qualcomm's multimedia frameworks, making it particularly dangerous in automotive applications where the MDM9150, MDM9206, and other automotive-grade processors are deployed.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing robust input validation mechanisms within the channel mapping processing code to prevent buffer overflows from occurring. Organizations should ensure that all channel configuration inputs are properly validated against the maximum array size before any memory operations are performed. Additionally, memory protection features such as stack canaries, address space layout randomization, and data execution prevention should be enabled to reduce the exploitability of any remaining vulnerabilities. The affected hardware platforms require firmware updates from Qualcomm to address the root cause of the buffer overflow, and system administrators should prioritize patching these devices as they represent a significant security risk in both consumer and industrial environments. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-121 and CWE-122 categories related to stack-based and heap-based buffer overflows, and maps to ATT&CK techniques involving privilege escalation and code injection within system-level processes. The widespread nature of affected devices makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous from an enterprise security perspective, requiring coordinated patch management across multiple product lines and deployment environments.