CVE-2021-30267 in Snapdragon Auto
Summary
by MITRE • 01/03/2022
Possible integer overflow to buffer overflow due to improper input validation in FTM ARA commands in Snapdragon Auto, Snapdragon Compute, Snapdragon Connectivity, Snapdragon Consumer IOT, Snapdragon Industrial IOT, Snapdragon Mobile
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/05/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-30267 represents a critical security flaw affecting multiple Qualcomm Snapdragon product lines including automotive, compute, connectivity, consumer IOT, and industrial IOT platforms. This issue stems from improper input validation within the FTM ARA commands processing subsystem, creating a potential pathway for attackers to execute buffer overflow exploits. The vulnerability manifests when the system fails to properly validate integer inputs during command processing, leading to arithmetic overflow conditions that can subsequently trigger buffer overflow scenarios. Such flaws are particularly concerning in automotive and industrial applications where system reliability and security are paramount for safety-critical operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the FTM ARA (Flash Tool Mode Application Remote Access) commands which are used for diagnostic and flashing operations within Qualcomm Snapdragon chipsets. When processing certain command parameters, the system performs arithmetic operations on user-supplied integer values without adequate bounds checking or overflow detection mechanisms. This allows an attacker to craft malicious input that causes integer overflow conditions, which then propagate into buffer overflow situations. The underlying cause aligns with CWE-190, Integer Overflow or Wraparound, and CWE-121, Stack-based Buffer Overflow, creating a chain of vulnerabilities that can be exploited to execute arbitrary code or cause system instability. The attack surface extends across multiple Snapdragon product categories, indicating a fundamental flaw in the underlying software architecture rather than isolated component issues.
The operational impact of CVE-2021-30267 spans across various security domains particularly affecting automotive systems, industrial IoT deployments, and mobile connectivity solutions. In automotive environments, this vulnerability could potentially enable attackers to compromise vehicle control systems, diagnostic interfaces, or over-the-air update mechanisms, presenting significant safety risks. Industrial IoT applications may face similar threats where unauthorized access to device management interfaces could lead to operational disruptions or data compromise. The vulnerability's presence in Snapdragon Auto and Snapdragon Industrial IOT products specifically targets safety-critical applications where system integrity is essential. Attackers exploiting this flaw could potentially gain unauthorized access to sensitive system functions, execute malicious code, or cause denial of service conditions that could impact vehicle operation or industrial process control. This vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1068 for Exploitation for Privilege Escalation, indicating potential for escalation once initial access is achieved.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2021-30267 should focus on immediate firmware updates from Qualcomm as recommended by the National Vulnerability Database. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit access to affected systems and restrict FTM ARA command interfaces to trusted administrative networks only. Input validation controls should be enhanced at multiple layers including application-level bounds checking, integer overflow detection mechanisms, and proper buffer management practices. System monitoring should be implemented to detect anomalous command processing patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Security teams should also consider implementing runtime protection mechanisms and code integrity checks to prevent exploitation of the integer overflow conditions. The vulnerability highlights the importance of robust input validation practices and proper arithmetic overflow handling in embedded systems, particularly in automotive and industrial applications where security failures can have severe consequences. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar issues in legacy codebases and ensure comprehensive protection across all affected Snapdragon product lines.