CVE-2020-3653 in Snapdragon Compute
Summary
by MITRE
Possible buffer over-read in windows wlan driver function due to lack of check of length of variable received from userspace in Snapdragon Compute, Snapdragon Connectivity in MSM8998, QCA6390, SC7180, SC8180X, SDM850
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/17/2020
This vulnerability represents a critical buffer over-read condition within the Windows wireless local area network driver component affecting multiple Qualcomm Snapdragon chipsets including the MSM8998, QCA6390, SC7180, SC8180X, and SDM850 platforms. The flaw occurs when the driver function processes variable length data received from user space without adequate validation of the input length parameters, creating a potential pathway for malicious code execution. The vulnerability specifically impacts the wlan.sys driver which handles wireless network communication protocols and is particularly concerning due to its presence in mobile and embedded systems where wireless connectivity is fundamental to device operation. According to CWE-129, this represents an implementation weakness where insufficient input validation leads to buffer over-read conditions that can result in information disclosure, system instability, or arbitrary code execution.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate boundary checking within the driver's processing logic for wireless network management commands. When user space applications submit network configuration parameters or wireless management requests to the kernel-level wlan.sys driver, the function fails to validate whether the received data length matches expected parameter sizes. This allows an attacker to craft malicious input that exceeds the allocated buffer space, causing the driver to read beyond its intended memory boundaries. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the kernel level within the Windows operating system, meaning successful exploitation could result in complete system compromise. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a privilege escalation technique through kernel exploitation, specifically mapping to T1068 which involves exploiting vulnerabilities in system services or drivers to gain elevated privileges.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple memory corruption, as it creates opportunities for sophisticated attack vectors that could be leveraged in advanced persistent threat scenarios. Mobile devices running affected Snapdragon chipsets could be compromised through wireless network attacks, potentially allowing adversaries to execute arbitrary code with kernel-level privileges. The vulnerability affects systems where wireless connectivity is essential for device functionality, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments or mobile devices that handle sensitive corporate data. Attackers could exploit this weakness by sending malformed wireless management frames or configuration commands that trigger the buffer over-read condition, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The affected platforms represent a significant portion of mobile devices and embedded systems, amplifying the potential attack surface and making this vulnerability particularly concerning for both individual users and enterprise security teams.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on both immediate patch deployment and defensive measures to reduce exploitability. Microsoft has released security updates addressing this specific issue, and system administrators should prioritize deployment of these patches across all affected devices. Additionally, network administrators should implement monitoring for unusual wireless management traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of input validation and boundary checking in kernel-level drivers, reinforcing security best practices from the CERT/CC Secure Coding Standards. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and wireless access controls to limit potential attack vectors, while maintaining regular security assessments to identify similar weaknesses in other system components. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of robust input validation in system drivers and the potential consequences when such validation is inadequate.