CVE-2016-8273 in HiSuite
Summary
by MITRE
Huawei PC client software HiSuite 4.0.5.300_OVE uses insecure HTTP for upgrade software package download and does not check the integrity of the software package before installing; an attacker can launch an MITM attack to interrupt or replace the downloaded software package and further compromise the PC.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/24/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-8273 affects Huawei PC client software HiSuite 4.0.5.300_OVE which employs insecure HTTP protocols for downloading software upgrade packages. This represents a critical security flaw that undermines the integrity and authenticity of the software distribution process. The software client fails to implement proper cryptographic verification mechanisms or integrity checks before installing downloaded components, creating a significant attack surface for malicious actors. This vulnerability falls under CWE-319, which specifically addresses the exposure of sensitive information through the use of insecure communication channels, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol usage involving unencrypted communication.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the software's reliance on HTTP rather than HTTPS for all upgrade communications, which exposes the entire download process to man-in-the-middle attacks. When users initiate software updates through HiSuite, the client establishes an unencrypted connection to Huawei's servers, allowing attackers positioned within the network path to intercept, modify, or replace the downloaded software packages. The absence of cryptographic checksum validation or digital signature verification means that even if an attacker successfully substitutes a malicious payload for the legitimate upgrade, the system will proceed with installation without detecting the compromise. This flaw directly enables attackers to execute arbitrary code on target systems through supply chain compromise, representing a sophisticated attack vector that leverages the trust relationship between the client software and the user.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple software compromise, as it creates persistent attack vectors that can be exploited across multiple network environments. An attacker with access to the network traffic between the client and Huawei's servers can craft malicious upgrade packages that appear legitimate to the HiSuite client. Once installed, these compromised packages could provide attackers with persistent access to the compromised system, potentially enabling further reconnaissance, lateral movement, or data exfiltration activities. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where network traffic may be more easily monitored or manipulated by insider threats or compromised network infrastructure. This weakness essentially transforms the legitimate software update mechanism into a potential attack delivery platform, undermining the security posture of organizations relying on Huawei's PC client software.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-8273 should focus on both immediate protective measures and long-term architectural improvements. Organizations should immediately implement network monitoring to detect unusual traffic patterns or unauthorized access attempts to Huawei's update servers. The most effective immediate solution involves upgrading to a newer version of HiSuite that employs HTTPS encryption and implements proper software integrity verification. System administrators should also consider implementing network access controls that restrict outbound connections to only trusted Huawei update servers, while ensuring that all network traffic is properly encrypted using TLS protocols. Additionally, security teams should conduct regular vulnerability assessments to identify similar insecure communication patterns in other enterprise software applications. The remediation process should include comprehensive network segmentation, deployment of intrusion detection systems, and establishment of secure software update policies that require cryptographic verification of all downloaded packages before installation. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of implementing secure communication protocols and integrity checks as fundamental security requirements in all software distribution mechanisms, aligning with industry best practices outlined in NIST SP 800-53 and ISO 27001 security controls.