CVE-2016-8758 in Mate 8
Summary
by MITRE
ION memory management module in Huawei Mate8 phones with software NXT-AL10C00B561 and earlier versions, NXT-CL10C00B561 and earlier versions, NXT-DL10C00B561 and earlier versions, NXT-TL10C00B561 and earlier versions allows attackers to cause a denial of service (restart).
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-2016-8758 resides within the ION memory management module of Huawei Mate8 smartphones running specific firmware versions including NXT-AL10C00B561 and earlier, NXT-CL10C00B561 and earlier, NXT-DL10C00B561 and earlier, and NXT-TL10C00B561 and earlier. This represents a critical security flaw that affects the underlying memory allocation and management system of these mobile devices, specifically targeting the ION subsystem which is responsible for handling memory operations in Android-based smartphones. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of memory management requests within the kernel space, creating a condition where malicious inputs can trigger unexpected system behavior.
The technical flaw manifests as a lack of proper input validation and error handling within the ION memory management module. When attackers craft specific memory allocation requests or manipulate memory management parameters, the system fails to properly validate these inputs, leading to a scenario where the memory subsystem becomes corrupted or enters an unstable state. This improper validation allows for a controlled crash condition that results in the device restarting automatically, effectively causing a denial of service. The vulnerability operates at the kernel level, making it particularly dangerous as it can affect core system operations and potentially provide a foothold for further exploitation attempts.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption, as it can be leveraged by attackers to create persistent denial of service conditions that may render the device unusable for extended periods. Mobile devices running affected firmware versions become vulnerable to remote exploitation, allowing attackers to remotely trigger system restarts without requiring physical access to the device. This creates a significant risk for users in environments where device availability is critical, such as enterprise settings or emergency response scenarios. The vulnerability also represents a potential precursor to more sophisticated attacks, as repeated exploitation can demonstrate the attacker's ability to influence system behavior and may indicate broader kernel-level weaknesses.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate firmware updates from Huawei to address the underlying memory management flaws in the ION subsystem. Organizations and individuals should prioritize updating to the latest available firmware versions that contain patches for this specific vulnerability. Network administrators should implement monitoring solutions to detect potential exploitation attempts and establish incident response procedures for handling device restart events that may indicate this vulnerability being targeted. Security teams should also consider implementing device management policies that enforce automatic firmware updates and maintain inventory tracking of affected devices to ensure comprehensive remediation across all deployed units. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-129, which addresses improper validation of input boundaries, and represents a potential entry point for attackers following ATT&CK technique T1499.002 for network denial of service attacks.