CVE-2017-18141 Explained : Impact and Mitigation
Learn about CVE-2017-18141 affecting Snapdragon products by Qualcomm. Find out the impact, affected systems, and mitigation steps to secure your devices.
CVE-2017-18141, published on January 3, 2019, by Qualcomm, Inc., addresses an improper access control vulnerability affecting various Snapdragon products.
Understanding CVE-2017-18141
This CVE highlights a security issue that allows unauthorized access to privileged functions in Snapdragon devices.
What is CVE-2017-18141?
The vulnerability arises when a third-party Trusted Execution Environment (TEE) is loaded, enabling the non-secure world to initiate a secure monitor call, granting access to functions intended only for the TEE.
The Impact of CVE-2017-18141
This vulnerability affects Snapdragon Automobile, Snapdragon Mobile, and Snapdragon Wear devices across multiple versions, potentially leading to unauthorized access to privileged functions.
Technical Details of CVE-2017-18141
Qualcomm Snapdragon products are impacted by this vulnerability, allowing unauthorized access to secure functions.
Vulnerability Description
The flaw allows the non-secure world to access privileged functions originally reserved for the TEE, compromising the security of the affected devices.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Products: Snapdragon Automobile, Snapdragon Mobile, Snapdragon Wear
- Versions: IPQ8074, MDM9206, MDM9607, MDM9635M, MDM9650, MDM9655, MSM8996AU, SD 210/SD 212/SD 205, SD 410/12, SD 425, SD 427, SD 430, SD 435, SD 439 / SD 429, SD 450, SD 625, SD 632, SD 636, SD 650/52, SD 810, SD 820, SD 820A, SD 835, SDA660, SDM439, SDM630, SDM660, SDX24, Snapdragon_High_Med_2016
Exploitation Mechanism
The vulnerability allows unauthorized access to secure functions by leveraging a loaded third-party TEE, compromising the device's security.
Mitigation and Prevention
To address CVE-2017-18141, immediate actions and long-term security practices are recommended.
Immediate Steps to Take
- Update affected devices with security patches from Qualcomm.
- Monitor for any unauthorized access or unusual activities on the devices.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update devices with the latest security patches.
- Implement access control measures to prevent unauthorized access to secure functions.
- Conduct security audits and assessments periodically.
Patching and Updates
- Qualcomm provides patches and updates to address the vulnerability. Ensure timely installation of these updates to mitigate the risk of exploitation.