CVE-2016-8757 in Huawei
Summary
by MITRE
ION memory management module in Huawei P9 phones with software EVA-AL10C00B192 and earlier versions, EVA-DL10C00B192 and earlier versions, EVA-TL10C00B192 and earlier versions, EVA-CL10C00B192 and earlier versions allows attackers to obtain sensitive information from uninitialized memory.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/24/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-8757 resides within the ION memory management module of Huawei P9 smartphones, specifically affecting devices running software versions EVA-AL10C00B192 and earlier, along with similar variants across different model lines. This memory management subsystem is critical for handling memory allocation and deallocation processes in Android-based mobile devices, particularly those utilizing Qualcomm Snapdragon processors. The flaw manifests as a security weakness in how the ION driver handles memory regions that have not been properly initialized before being accessed by applications or system processes. This represents a classic instance of information disclosure through uninitialized memory access, where sensitive data that should not be exposed can be read by malicious actors.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper memory management practices within the kernel-level ION driver component. When memory buffers are allocated but not properly initialized before use, they may retain data from previous operations or system states. Attackers can exploit this by crafting specific memory access patterns that traverse these uninitialized regions, potentially extracting confidential information including cryptographic keys, user credentials, application data, or system memory contents. The vulnerability operates at the kernel level, meaning it can be leveraged to access privileged memory spaces that are normally protected from user-space applications, making it particularly dangerous for mobile device security. This flaw aligns with CWE-248, which addresses "Uncaught Exception" conditions in software, and more specifically relates to improper handling of uninitialized memory regions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can enable attackers to gain insights into the device's internal state and potentially compromise user privacy and device security. An attacker with local access to the device could exploit this weakness to extract sensitive information that might aid in further exploitation attempts, such as identifying security patterns or extracting encryption keys used for device encryption or secure communications. The vulnerability affects multiple Huawei P9 variants, suggesting a widespread impact across affected device models, and represents a significant concern for enterprise security and personal privacy protection. Mobile devices running these vulnerable versions could be targeted for advanced persistent threats where attackers seek to establish persistent access and exfiltrate data over time.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate software updates provided by Huawei, as the issue requires kernel-level patches to properly initialize memory regions before they are accessed. Users should promptly install the latest firmware updates from Huawei that address this specific memory management flaw. System administrators and security professionals should implement monitoring for unusual memory access patterns and consider device hardening measures that limit memory access privileges. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper memory initialization practices in kernel modules, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1005 for Data from Local System and T1059 for Command and Scripting Interpreter. Organizations should also consider implementing mobile device management solutions that can automatically enforce security updates and monitor for exploitation attempts targeting known vulnerabilities in mobile operating system components.