CVE-2016-8774 in Mate 8
Summary
by MITRE
The HIFI driver in Huawei Mate 8 phones with software versions before NXT-AL10C00B386, versions before NXT-CL00C92B386, versions before NXT-DL00C17B386, versions before NXT-TL00C01B386; Mate S phones with software Versions before CRR-CL00C92B368, Versions before CRR-CL20C92B368, Versions before CRR-TL00C01B368, Versions before CRR-UL00C00B368, Versions before CRR-UL20C00B368; P8 phones with software Versions before GRA-TL00C01B366, Versions before GRA-CL00C92B366, Versions before GRA-CL10C92B366, Versions before GRA-UL00C00B366, Versions before GRA-UL10C00B366; and P9 phones with software Versions before EVA-AL10C00B190, Versions before EVA-DL10C00B190, Versions before EVA-TL10C00B190, Versions before EVA-CL10C00B190 allows attackers to get root privilege or crash the system or execute arbitrary code, related to a buffer overflow.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/24/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-8774 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the HIFI driver component of multiple Huawei smartphone models including the Mate 8, Mate S, P8, and P9 series. This security weakness exists in specific software versions prior to the listed build numbers across various device variants, creating a widespread exposure across Huawei's product portfolio. The affected HIFI driver is responsible for handling audio processing functions within the device's kernel space, making it a prime target for privilege escalation attacks that could compromise the entire system integrity.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the HIFI driver's buffer handling mechanisms. When the driver processes malformed input data through audio processing routines, it fails to properly bounds-check array accesses, leading to memory corruption that can be exploited by malicious actors. This buffer overflow condition occurs in kernel-level code execution context, meaning that successful exploitation could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code with the highest system privileges. The flaw operates under CWE-121, which categorizes buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows memory access beyond allocated buffers, potentially leading to privilege escalation or system crashes.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple system instability, as it provides attackers with the capability to achieve full root privilege access on affected devices. This elevated privilege level enables unauthorized users to bypass all security controls, modify system files, install malicious applications, and potentially access sensitive user data including personal communications, financial information, and authentication credentials. The vulnerability's exploitable nature means that remote attackers could potentially compromise devices without physical access, making it particularly dangerous in mobile environments where devices are frequently exposed to untrusted networks and applications.
The attack surface for this vulnerability encompasses various attack vectors including malicious applications, compromised websites, or specially crafted audio files that could trigger the buffer overflow condition when processed by the vulnerable HIFI driver. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1068 (Local Privilege Escalation) and T1547 (Persistence) techniques, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to establish persistent access to affected devices while maintaining elevated privileges. The vulnerability also aligns with T1059 (Command and Scripting Interpreter) as attackers could leverage the root access to execute arbitrary commands on the compromised systems.
Organizations and users should immediately implement mitigation strategies including applying the latest firmware updates from Huawei, which contain patches addressing the buffer overflow conditions in the HIFI driver. Device administrators should also consider implementing mobile device management solutions that can enforce security policies and monitor for suspicious activities on affected devices. Network security teams should deploy intrusion detection systems capable of identifying exploitation attempts targeting this specific vulnerability, particularly focusing on unusual audio processing activities or privilege escalation patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of kernel-level security in mobile platforms and demonstrates how seemingly specialized drivers can provide pathways for comprehensive system compromise.