CVE-2020-3679 in Snapdragon Auto
Summary
by MITRE
u'During execution after Address Space Layout Randomization is turned on for QTEE, part of code is still mapped at known address including code segments' in Snapdragon Auto, Snapdragon Compute, Snapdragon Consumer IOT, Snapdragon Industrial IOT, Snapdragon Mobile, Snapdragon Voice & Music, Snapdragon Wired Infrastructure and Networking in Bitra, Kamorta, Nicobar, QCS404, QCS610, Rennell, SA6155P, SA8155P, Saipan, SC7180, SC8180X, SDX55, SM6150, SM7150, SM8150, SM8250, SXR2130
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/09/2020
This vulnerability represents a critical flaw in the Qualcomm TrustZone Execution Environment (QTEE) implementation across multiple Snapdragon chipsets, specifically affecting systems where Address Space Layout Randomization (ASLR) is enabled. The issue occurs during the execution phase after ASLR has been activated, creating a persistent security weakness where certain code segments remain mapped at predictable memory addresses despite the randomized memory layout protections. This represents a fundamental breakdown in the memory protection mechanisms designed to prevent exploitation through techniques such as return-oriented programming and information disclosure attacks.
The technical flaw stems from incomplete implementation of ASLR within the Trusted Execution Environment, where specific code sections including critical execution segments maintain fixed virtual memory addresses regardless of the randomized memory layout. This creates a predictable attack surface that adversaries can exploit to bypass memory protection mechanisms. The vulnerability affects multiple Snapdragon product lines including automotive, mobile, industrial, and networking devices, indicating a widespread impact across Qualcomm's chipset portfolio. According to CWE-676, this represents an improper use of a dangerous function where the system fails to properly randomize memory mappings, creating predictable code locations that can be targeted by attackers.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it undermines the core security assumptions of the Trusted Execution Environment, potentially allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges. Attackers could leverage this predictable memory mapping to perform code injection attacks, bypass secure boot mechanisms, or extract sensitive cryptographic keys and credentials stored in the trusted execution environment. The vulnerability affects devices ranging from automotive systems to mobile phones and industrial IoT equipment, creating a broad attack surface that could compromise critical infrastructure. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter and T1552.001 for credentials from password storage modules, as the predictable memory layout facilitates unauthorized access to sensitive system components.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing complete ASLR enforcement across all code segments within the QTEE environment, ensuring that no code sections maintain predictable memory mappings. System administrators should update to patched firmware versions provided by Qualcomm, which typically include comprehensive memory layout randomization and code segment relocation. The vulnerability highlights the importance of thorough security testing for trusted execution environments and proper implementation of memory protection mechanisms. Organizations should conduct vulnerability assessments to identify systems running affected Snapdragon chipsets and prioritize patching to eliminate the predictable memory mapping that enables exploitation. Additionally, monitoring for anomalous memory access patterns and implementing runtime protection mechanisms can help detect potential exploitation attempts targeting this specific vulnerability.