CVE-2018-11259 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

Snapdragon Automobile, Snapdragon Mobile, and Snapdragon Wear devices by Qualcomm are affected by a vulnerability that allows unauthorized access to the EFS partition, potentially leading to unrestricted read/write privileges.

Understanding CVE-2018-11259

This CVE involves improper access control in the NAND-based EFS of Qualcomm's Snapdragon devices, enabling erasure of the EFS partition through fastboot, granting unauthorized access until the modem boots.

What is CVE-2018-11259?

The lack of proper access control in the NAND-based EFS of Snapdragon devices allows unauthorized access to the EFS partition, leading to potential security risks.

The Impact of CVE-2018-11259

The vulnerability permits the apps processor to gain unrestricted read/write privileges for the EFS partition until the modem boots, compromising the security of the affected devices.

Technical Details of CVE-2018-11259

Qualcomm's Snapdragon devices are susceptible to unauthorized access to the EFS partition due to improper access control mechanisms.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability allows the erasure of the EFS partition through fastboot, granting unauthorized read/write privileges until the modem boots and configures the EFS partition addresses.

Affected Systems and Versions

Products: Snapdragon Automobile, Snapdragon Mobile, Snapdragon Wear
Versions: MDM9206, MDM9607, MDM9635M, MDM9640, MDM9650, MDM9655, MSM8909W, MSM8996AU, SD 210/SD 212/SD 205, SD 410/12, SD 425, SD 427, SD 430, SD 435, SD 450, SD 615/16/SD 415, SD 617, SD 625, SD 650/52, SD 800, SD 810, SD 820, SD 820A, SD 835, SD 845, SD 850, SDM630, SDM632, SDM636, SDM660, SDX20, Snapdragon_High_Med_2016

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited through fastboot on a NAND-based device, allowing unauthorized access to the EFS partition until the modem boots.

Mitigation and Prevention

Steps to address and prevent the CVE-2018-11259 vulnerability in Qualcomm's Snapdragon devices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply security patches provided by Qualcomm promptly.
Monitor for any unauthorized access or changes to the EFS partition.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement proper access control mechanisms for EFS partitions.
Regularly update firmware and security measures to prevent unauthorized access.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security bulletins and updates from Qualcomm.