CVE-2022-25695 in Snapdragon Auto
Summary
by MITRE • 12/13/2022
Memory corruption in MODEM due to Improper Validation of Array Index while processing GSTK Proactive commands in Snapdragon Auto, Snapdragon Compute, Snapdragon Connectivity, Snapdragon Consumer IOT, Snapdragon Industrial IOT, Snapdragon IoT, Snapdragon Mobile, Snapdragon Voice & Music, Snapdragon Wearables
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/07/2026
This vulnerability represents a critical memory corruption flaw affecting multiple Qualcomm Snapdragon product lines including automotive, mobile, and IoT devices. The issue stems from improper validation of array indices during processing of GSTK proactive commands which are part of the GSM SIM Toolkit protocol used for communication between mobile devices and SIM cards. The vulnerability manifests when the modem component fails to properly validate array bounds before accessing memory locations, potentially allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause system instability. This flaw specifically impacts the modem's handling of proactive commands that are sent from SIM cards to mobile devices, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit the memory corruption through crafted SIM card content or network-based attacks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the modem's processing of GSTK (GSM SIM Toolkit) proactive commands where array index validation is insufficient. When the modem receives a proactive command containing array data, it fails to properly validate the indices before accessing memory locations, leading to potential buffer overflows or out-of-bounds memory access. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-129 Improper Validation of Array Index which is classified as a memory safety issue in the Common Weakness Enumeration catalog. The flaw allows for potential privilege escalation and arbitrary code execution within the modem's operational context, as the modem processes these commands with elevated privileges typically reserved for system-level operations.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-25695 extends across multiple device categories including automotive systems, mobile phones, and IoT devices that utilize Qualcomm Snapdragon chipsets. Attackers could potentially exploit this vulnerability through malicious SIM cards or by manipulating network communications to deliver crafted GSTK commands that trigger the memory corruption. The vulnerability affects devices that support the GSM SIM Toolkit protocol, making it particularly concerning for automotive applications where vehicle systems rely on SIM card communications for features like telematics, remote diagnostics, and emergency services. The exploitation could result in complete system compromise, denial of service, or unauthorized access to sensitive vehicle data, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter for executing malicious code within the device's operating environment.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate firmware updates from device manufacturers and system administrators to patch the modem component's handling of GSTK proactive commands. The recommended approach involves implementing proper array index validation routines before any memory access operations, ensuring that all array indices are properly bounded and validated against the actual array dimensions. Organizations should also implement network monitoring to detect anomalous GSTK command patterns and consider SIM card authentication mechanisms to prevent unauthorized command injection. Device manufacturers should enforce strict input validation for all SIM toolkit commands and implement robust memory protection mechanisms including stack canaries and address space layout randomization to prevent successful exploitation. Additionally, security teams should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments of their automotive and IoT deployments to identify affected devices and establish incident response procedures for potential exploitation attempts.