CVE-2021-35097 in Snapdragon Auto
Summary
by MITRE • 09/02/2022
Possible authentication bypass due to improper order of signature verification and hashing in the signature verification call in Snapdragon Auto, Snapdragon Compute, Snapdragon Connectivity, Snapdragon Consumer IOT, Snapdragon Industrial IOT, Snapdragon Mobile, Snapdragon Voice & Music, Snapdragon Wearables
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/11/2022
This vulnerability represents a critical authentication flaw in Qualcomm's Snapdragon automotive and mobile platforms that stems from improper cryptographic implementation during signature verification processes. The issue occurs when the system performs signature verification and hashing operations in an incorrect sequence, allowing attackers to potentially bypass authentication mechanisms. The vulnerability affects multiple Snapdragon product lines including automotive systems, mobile devices, compute platforms, and various IoT deployments, indicating a widespread impact across Qualcomm's hardware ecosystem. This flaw specifically impacts the order of operations during cryptographic validation, where signature verification should occur before hashing but instead happens in reverse order, creating a potential attack vector for malicious actors to exploit.
The technical implementation flaw resides in the cryptographic library's handling of digital signatures and hash functions, where the proper sequence of operations is violated. According to CWE-327, this vulnerability involves the use of weak or broken cryptographic algorithms, specifically manifesting as improper implementation of cryptographic primitives. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects the fundamental security mechanisms that protect device integrity and user authentication. When signature verification occurs before hashing instead of after, it creates opportunities for attackers to manipulate the verification process by crafting malicious inputs that can pass authentication checks. This improper ordering allows for potential exploitation through techniques such as signature malleability or manipulation of the cryptographic verification flow.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends across multiple domains within Qualcomm's product portfolio, affecting automotive systems that rely on secure authentication for critical functions, mobile devices where user data protection is paramount, and IoT deployments that may control physical infrastructure or sensitive data. Attackers could potentially exploit this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to systems, bypass secure boot processes, or manipulate firmware updates. The attack surface includes scenarios where digital signatures are used to validate software integrity, authenticate users, or ensure system authenticity. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1552.001 for unsecured credentials and T1078.004 for valid accounts, as it enables unauthorized access through manipulated authentication flows. The impact is particularly severe in automotive environments where security failures could compromise vehicle safety systems or enable remote access to critical vehicle functions.
Mitigation strategies should focus on updating affected Snapdragon platforms with firmware patches that correct the cryptographic implementation order. Organizations should implement comprehensive vulnerability management processes to identify and remediate all affected devices across their fleets. System administrators should conduct thorough inventory assessments to identify all Snapdragon-based systems that may be vulnerable, particularly those in automotive, industrial, or mobile environments. The fix requires proper implementation of cryptographic verification sequences where hash functions are computed before signature validation to ensure the integrity of the verification process. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous authentication patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing additional security controls such as multi-factor authentication, network segmentation, and continuous monitoring to reduce the risk exposure while awaiting full patch deployment. Regular security assessments and adherence to secure coding practices should be enforced to prevent similar implementation flaws in future cryptographic implementations.