CVE-2020-3625 in Snapdragon Auto
Summary
by MITRE
When making query to DSP capabilities, Stack out of bounds occurs due to wrong buffer length configured for DSP attributes in Snapdragon Auto, Snapdragon Consumer IOT, Snapdragon Mobile in SM8250, SXR2130
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/21/2020
This vulnerability represents a critical stack buffer overflow condition affecting multiple Qualcomm Snapdragon product lines including automotive and consumer IoT devices. The flaw manifests when processing queries to Digital Signal Processor capabilities where improper buffer length configuration leads to out-of-bounds memory access patterns. The vulnerability specifically impacts systems utilizing the SM8250 and SXR2130 chipsets, which are widely deployed in mobile devices and automotive applications. According to CWE-121, this constitutes a classic stack-based buffer overflow where insufficient bounds checking allows malicious data to overwrite adjacent stack memory locations. The technical implementation involves DSP attribute processing where the system allocates a buffer with inadequate size to accommodate the actual data requirements during query execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple memory corruption to potentially enable arbitrary code execution within the DSP context. Attackers could exploit this condition by crafting malicious queries that exceed the configured buffer boundaries, causing stack corruption that might lead to privilege escalation or system instability. The vulnerability affects the Snapdragon Auto and Consumer IOT product families, which are integral to modern vehicle infotainment systems and connected devices. This exposure creates potential attack vectors through malicious input processing that could compromise the integrity of the DSP subsystem. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this under technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter execution, as successful exploitation could allow attackers to execute code within the DSP environment, potentially affecting system security and functionality.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing proper buffer length validation and bounds checking within the DSP attribute processing routines. System designers must ensure that buffer allocations account for maximum possible data sizes and include robust input validation mechanisms. The fix should involve updating firmware and software components to enforce proper memory boundaries during DSP query processing. Additionally, runtime protections such as stack canaries and address space layout randomization should be implemented to detect and prevent exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments of DSP processing components and adherence to secure coding practices are essential for preventing similar vulnerabilities in future implementations. The vulnerability highlights the importance of memory safety considerations in embedded systems and DSP environments where buffer overflows can have severe operational consequences.