CVE-2016-1496 in Huawei
Summary
by MITRE
The graphics driver in Huawei P8 smartphones with software GRA-TL00 before GRA-TL00C01B230, GRA-CL00 before GRA-CL00C92B230, GRA-CL10 before GRA-CL10C92B230, GRA-UL00 before GRA-UL00C00B230, and GRA-UL10 before GRA-UL10C00B230 allows attackers to cause a denial of service (system crash) via a crafted application, aka a "semaphore deadlock issue."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/24/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-1496 represents a critical semaphore deadlock issue affecting Huawei P8 smartphones running specific versions of the GRA-TL00, GRA-CL00, GRA-CL10, GRA-UL00, and GRA-UL10 software variants. This flaw resides within the graphics driver component of the mobile operating system, which serves as a crucial interface between the hardware graphics processing unit and the software applications that utilize graphical rendering capabilities. The vulnerability manifests when a specially crafted malicious application attempts to manipulate the graphics driver's semaphore mechanisms, leading to a system crash that results in complete denial of service for the affected device. The semaphore deadlock condition occurs when multiple processes or threads become permanently blocked while waiting for each other to release resources, effectively halting all system operations.
From a technical perspective, this vulnerability operates at the kernel level within the graphics driver subsystem, where proper synchronization mechanisms should prevent race conditions and resource contention. The flaw stems from inadequate semaphore handling within the driver code, allowing an attacker with a malicious application to trigger a deadlock scenario that prevents the system from processing legitimate graphics requests. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-362, which categorizes concurrent execution issues related to race conditions and resource management failures. The semaphore deadlock issue specifically impacts the system's ability to maintain proper resource allocation and process scheduling, ultimately causing the device to become unresponsive and requiring manual reboot to restore functionality.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-1496 extends beyond simple device disruption, as it represents a significant security concern for users of affected Huawei P8 models. Mobile devices running vulnerable software versions become susceptible to remote exploitation through seemingly benign applications, potentially allowing attackers to render devices completely inoperable without user intervention. This vulnerability directly impacts the availability aspect of the system's security model, as it can be triggered without requiring physical access or elevated privileges from the user. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it can be executed through standard application installation processes, making it difficult for users to detect or prevent the exploitation. The system crash resulting from this vulnerability can occur at any time during normal device operation, potentially disrupting critical functions such as emergency communications or business applications that users rely upon.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate software updates and patches provided by Huawei to address the semaphore deadlock issue within the graphics driver component. System administrators and users should prioritize applying the latest security patches released by Huawei that specifically address the GRA-TL00, GRA-CL00, GRA-CL10, GRA-UL00, and GRA-UL10 software variants. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under the T1499.004 technique for "Endpoint Denial of Service," which specifically addresses threats targeting mobile device availability through system-level resource exhaustion or deadlock conditions. Organizations deploying Huawei P8 devices should implement strict application vetting procedures to prevent installation of untrusted applications that could potentially exploit this vulnerability. Additionally, network monitoring solutions should be configured to detect anomalous application behavior patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, particularly those involving graphics driver manipulation. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of proper driver testing and validation processes to prevent similar semaphore-related issues in future software releases, emphasizing the need for robust concurrent programming practices and comprehensive testing of resource management components in mobile operating systems.