CVE-2021-30293 in Snapdragon Auto
Summary
by MITRE • 01/03/2022
Possible assertion due to lack of input validation in PUSCH configuration in Snapdragon Auto, Snapdragon Compute, Snapdragon Connectivity, Snapdragon Consumer IOT, Snapdragon Industrial IOT
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/05/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-30293 represents a critical assertion failure stemming from insufficient input validation within the Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH) configuration processing of Qualcomm Snapdragon automotive and IoT platforms. This issue manifests in Snapdragon Auto, Snapdragon Compute, Snapdragon Connectivity, Snapdragon Consumer IOT, and Snapdragon Industrial IOT product lines, indicating a widespread impact across multiple Qualcomm hardware domains. The flaw resides in the wireless communication stack where PUSCH configuration parameters are processed without adequate validation checks, creating a potential pathway for system instability.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-20, which describes improper input validation, and manifests as an assertion failure that occurs when the system encounters unexpected or malformed PUSCH configuration data. This assertion failure can potentially lead to system crashes or unexpected behavior during wireless communication operations, particularly when handling uplink data transmission in cellular networks. The vulnerability specifically affects the 5G and 4G LTE wireless protocols where PUSCH configuration parameters control the uplink shared channel characteristics including transmission power, resource allocation, and modulation schemes.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to automotive and industrial IoT systems where reliable wireless communication is critical for safety and functionality. The assertion failure could cause vehicle communication systems to become unresponsive or crash during critical operations such as emergency calls, navigation updates, or industrial control communications. Attackers could potentially exploit this vulnerability by crafting malicious PUSCH configuration parameters that trigger the assertion failure, leading to denial of service conditions that might compromise vehicle safety systems or industrial automation processes. The impact extends beyond simple disruption to potential safety hazards in automotive applications where wireless connectivity is essential for vehicle operation.
The attack surface for this vulnerability encompasses wireless network operators, automotive manufacturers, and industrial IoT system integrators who deploy Qualcomm Snapdragon platforms in their products. The exploitation requires the ability to influence PUSCH configuration parameters, which could occur through network-side attacks or by compromising the wireless communication infrastructure. Organizations should implement robust input validation measures and ensure firmware updates are applied promptly to address this vulnerability. System monitoring should include detection of assertion failures and abnormal wireless communication behavior. The mitigation strategy involves updating to Qualcomm firmware versions that include proper input validation for PUSCH configuration parameters and implementing network segmentation to limit exposure to potentially malicious wireless communications. This vulnerability also highlights the importance of secure wireless protocol implementation and adherence to automotive cybersecurity standards such as ISO 21448 (SOTIF) and ISO 26262 for automotive safety systems.