CVE-2021-1929 in Snapdragon Auto
Summary
by MITRE • 09/08/2021
Lack of strict validation of bootmode can lead to information disclosure in Snapdragon Auto, Snapdragon Compute, Snapdragon Connectivity, Snapdragon Consumer IOT, Snapdragon Industrial IOT, Snapdragon Mobile, Snapdragon Wearables
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/11/2021
This vulnerability resides in the Qualcomm Snapdragon automotive and mobile platform ecosystems where insufficient validation of boot mode parameters creates a pathway for unauthorized information disclosure. The flaw manifests in systems that fail to rigorously verify the integrity of boot mode configurations during system initialization, allowing malicious actors to manipulate or bypass normal security checks that would typically prevent access to sensitive system information. The vulnerability affects multiple Snapdragon product lines including automotive platforms, compute modules, connectivity solutions, consumer IoT devices, industrial IoT systems, mobile devices, and wearable technology, indicating a widespread architectural weakness that spans various hardware implementations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the boot process of Snapdragon-based systems. When devices initialize their operating environment, they typically establish a trusted boot chain that validates system integrity through various checks including boot mode verification. However, in affected systems, the boot mode validation process lacks sufficient rigor to prevent modification or bypass of these security checks. This weakness can be exploited by adversaries who gain access to the system during boot phases to manipulate boot parameters, potentially allowing them to access sensitive information that should remain protected. The vulnerability specifically relates to how the system validates the boot mode state before proceeding with normal operations, creating a window where unauthorized access to system information can occur.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends across multiple security domains and affects both device manufacturers and end users. Attackers who successfully exploit this weakness can potentially access confidential system information including device identifiers, security keys, cryptographic material, and other sensitive data that should remain protected during the boot process. This information disclosure can enable more sophisticated attacks such as credential theft, device cloning, or further exploitation of other vulnerabilities present in the system. The widespread nature of the affected product lines means that numerous automotive systems, mobile devices, and IoT deployments could be compromised, potentially affecting vehicle safety systems, personal data protection, and industrial control systems. The vulnerability's presence in automotive platforms particularly raises concerns about vehicle security and the potential for remote attacks on connected vehicles.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing robust boot mode validation mechanisms throughout the system initialization process. Device manufacturers should ensure that all boot parameters undergo strict verification before system operations commence, utilizing cryptographic validation techniques to prevent unauthorized modifications. The implementation should include hardware-level protections such as secure boot chains that verify the integrity of boot mode configurations and prevent manipulation of critical system parameters. Additionally, system updates and patches should be deployed to address the validation gaps in existing implementations, with particular attention to automotive and industrial deployments where security is paramount. Security frameworks such as those defined in the Common Weakness Enumeration standard CWE-20 should be referenced to ensure comprehensive validation of input parameters during system initialization, while the MITRE ATT&CK framework suggests that this vulnerability may be categorized under boot process manipulation techniques that could lead to privilege escalation and information disclosure attacks. Organizations should also implement continuous monitoring of boot processes to detect anomalous behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts.