CVE-2020-11172

u'fscanf reads a string from a file and stores its contents on a statically allocated stack memory which leads to stack overflow' in Snapdragon Wired…

published November 2, 2020

CVSS
—
EPSS
1%
Percentile
54.4
In the wild
Unconfirmed
What it is

⚠️ A sneaky stack overflow hides in the Snapdragon Wired Infrastructure. The `fscanf` function reads from a file and can overflow those statically allocated memory areas like a crowded elevator with too many people! Think of it like trying to fit too many guests in a small hotel room — when it gets too crowded, things spill out, and that's exactly what happens with this overflow. This overflow could lead to unexpected behavior or crashes, just as a hotel might struggle to accommodate extra guests without a reservation. If exploited, this vulnerability could allow an attacker to disrupt the normal operations of the affected devices, potentially causing crashes or unpredictable behavior. Although no known exploits exist, the risk of overflowing memory is a worry for stability and reliability.

Put simply

Think of it like trying to fit too many guests in a small hotel room — when it gets too crowded, things spill out, and that's exactly what happens with this overflow. This overflow could lead to unexpected behavior or crashes, just as a hotel might struggle to accommodate extra guests without a reservation. The vulnerability occurs because `fscanf` reads a string into statically allocated stack memory, which can lead to a stack overflow if the input exceeds the allocated size. This is particularly concerning in devices like IPQ4019, IPQ6018, IPQ8064, IPQ8074, QCA9531, and QCA9980.

What to do

If exploited, this vulnerability could allow an attacker to disrupt the normal operations of the affected devices, potentially causing crashes or unpredictable behavior. Although no known exploits exist, the risk of overflowing memory is a worry for stability and reliability. To mitigate this risk, ensure that input data is properly validated before being processed by `fscanf`. Consider implementing bounds checking or using safer alternatives like `fgets` to avoid overflowing your stack memory. It's also a good idea to review the current configurations of the affected devices. You've got this! With proper input validation and cautious handling, you'll keep those systems safe and sound! 🛡️

The record
Technical detail
CVSS
Not scored
CVSS v4.0
Not supplied
EPSS
0.00748 · 54.4th percentile
Published
2020-11-02T06:21Z
EPSS history
Timeline
  • 02 NOV 06:21Z
    u'fscanf reads a string from a file and stores its contents on a statically allocated stack memory which leads to stack overflow' in Snapdragon Wired…
    cvelistv5