CVE-2020-11298 in Snapdragon Auto
Summary
by MITRE • 06/09/2021
While waiting for a response to a callback or listener request, non-secure clients can change permissions to shared memory buffers used by HLOS Invoke Call to secure kernel in Snapdragon Auto, Snapdragon Compute, Snapdragon Connectivity, Snapdragon Consumer IOT, Snapdragon Industrial IOT, Snapdragon Mobile, Snapdragon Voice & Music, Snapdragon Wired Infrastructure and Networking
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/11/2021
This vulnerability exists in Qualcomm Snapdragon automotive and mobile platform components where non-secure clients can manipulate permissions of shared memory buffers utilized by the HLOS Invoke Call mechanism to communicate with the secure kernel. The flaw occurs during callback or listener request processing when the system fails to properly validate permission changes made by untrusted client processes. This represents a critical privilege escalation vulnerability that allows malicious actors to gain unauthorized access to secure kernel resources through manipulation of shared memory segments.
The technical implementation involves the HLOS (High Level Operating System) Invoke Call mechanism which serves as the communication bridge between non-secure and secure kernel contexts in Qualcomm's mobile and automotive platforms. When a callback or listener request is pending, the system maintains shared memory buffers that should remain protected from unauthorized modification. However, the vulnerability allows non-secure clients to alter these buffer permissions, potentially enabling them to access or modify secure kernel data structures. This flaw falls under CWE-284 Access Control Issues and specifically relates to improper permission management in inter-process communication mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it enables attackers to escalate privileges from non-secure client contexts to secure kernel operations. An attacker with local access could potentially exploit this to execute arbitrary code in the secure kernel, bypass security boundaries, and gain full control over the platform's secure elements. This affects a wide range of Qualcomm Snapdragon product lines including automotive systems, mobile devices, IoT platforms, and networking equipment, making it particularly dangerous in automotive and industrial environments where security is paramount. The vulnerability could be exploited through malicious applications or compromised system components that establish callback or listener connections.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing proper permission validation mechanisms during shared memory buffer operations and ensuring that permission changes are strictly controlled and validated. System designers should enforce strict access controls on inter-process communication channels and implement robust validation of memory access permissions. Organizations should apply the latest Qualcomm security patches and firmware updates, monitor for suspicious memory access patterns, and implement runtime protection mechanisms. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 Privilege Escalation through improper access control mechanisms and represents a significant concern for automotive cybersecurity frameworks and mobile platform security architectures.