^{CVE-2017-18296:}Access control vulnerability in Qualcomm Snapdragon components allows improper access to SafeSwitch services.

Overview

CVE-2017-18296 is a security vulnerability in Qualcomm's Snapdragon chipsets that affects the access control mechanism for SafeSwitch services. SafeSwitch is a security feature in Qualcomm devices, and this vulnerability could allow applications to bypass intended access restrictions. When exploited, malicious applications might gain improper access to protected services or features, potentially compromising device security and user data. This vulnerability spans across multiple Snapdragon product lines and affects a wide range of chipset versions used in smartphones, wearables, and automotive systems.

Remediation

To address this vulnerability, device owners should:

1. Ensure their devices are updated with the latest security patches provided by their device manufacturer.
2. Check for and install any available system updates, as Qualcomm has provided fixes to device manufacturers.
3. Only install applications from trusted sources like official app stores.
4. Monitor Qualcomm's security bulletins for specific update information related to your device's chipset.
5. For enterprise environments, consider implementing additional access controls and monitoring for potentially affected devices.

Device manufacturers using affected Snapdragon chipsets should apply patches provided by Qualcomm and distribute updates to end users.

References

1. Android Security Bulletin (August 2018): https://source.android.com/security/bulletin/2018-08-01#qualcomm-closed-source-components
2. Qualcomm Product Security Bulletins: https://www.qualcomm.com/company/product-security/bulletins
3. SecurityTracker: http://www.securitytracker.com/id/1041432
4. The vulnerability affects Snapdragon chipsets in multiple product lines: Automobile, Mobile, and Wear devices.
5. Affected chipset versions include MDM9206, MDM9607, MDM9650, MSM8909W, MSM8996AU, SD 210/SD 212/SD 205, SD 425, SD 430, SD 450, SD 615/16/SD 415, SD 617, SD 625, SD 650/52, SD 820, SD 820A, SD 835, SD 845, SDA660, and SDX20.