CVE-2021-30323 in Snapdragon Auto
Summary
by MITRE • 02/11/2022
Improper validation of maximum size of data write to EFS file can lead to memory corruption in Snapdragon Auto, Snapdragon Compute, Snapdragon Consumer IOT, Snapdragon Industrial IOT, Snapdragon Mobile, Snapdragon Voice & Music, Snapdragon Wearables
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/16/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-30323 represents a critical memory corruption issue within the Enhanced File System (EFS) implementation of Qualcomm Snapdragon chipsets. This flaw manifests when the system fails to properly validate the maximum size of data being written to EFS files, creating a potential pathway for malicious actors to exploit memory boundaries through crafted write operations. The vulnerability affects a broad spectrum of Qualcomm's product portfolio including automotive systems, consumer IoT devices, industrial IoT deployments, mobile platforms, voice and music processing units, and wearable technology.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in inadequate input validation mechanisms within the EFS subsystem where the system does not properly enforce size limits on data write operations. When an application attempts to write data exceeding predetermined maximum thresholds to EFS files, the system fails to validate these boundaries, potentially leading to buffer overflows or memory corruption scenarios. This improper validation creates opportunities for attackers to manipulate memory layout through carefully constructed data writes that exceed allocated buffer sizes. The flaw specifically impacts the memory management routines responsible for handling file system operations within the Snapdragon ecosystem, where EFS serves as a critical component for persistent data storage and retrieval.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends across multiple domains of Qualcomm's chipset implementations, particularly affecting systems where EFS is utilized for storing critical application data, configuration parameters, or system logs. In automotive applications, this could potentially compromise vehicle control systems or infotainment platforms where EFS stores configuration data. Mobile and wearable devices may experience system instability, application crashes, or more severe memory corruption that could lead to complete system compromise. The vulnerability's presence across both consumer and industrial IoT segments indicates a widespread risk that could affect various embedded systems where memory safety is paramount for operational integrity.
Security researchers have classified this vulnerability under CWE-129, which specifically addresses improper validation of input ranges, and it aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter usage in exploitation scenarios. The vulnerability demonstrates characteristics of memory corruption flaws that can be leveraged for privilege escalation or arbitrary code execution depending on the system configuration and attack surface. Mitigation strategies should include firmware updates from device manufacturers, implementation of proper input validation controls, and monitoring for anomalous file system write patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts. Organizations should prioritize patch management for affected Snapdragon-based devices and consider implementing additional security controls around EFS access permissions to limit potential attack vectors.