CVE-2017-15311 in Mate 9
Summary
by MITRE
The baseband modules of Mate 10, Mate 10 Pro, Mate 9, Mate 9 Pro Huawei smart phones with software before ALP-AL00 8.0.0.120(SP2C00), before BLA-AL00 8.0.0.120(SP2C00), before MHA-AL00B 8.0.0.334(C00), and before LON-AL00B 8.0.0.334(C00) have a stack overflow vulnerability due to the lack of parameter validation. An attacker could send malicious packets to the smart phones within radio range by special wireless device, which leads stack overflow when the baseband module handles these packets. The attacker could exploit this vulnerability to perform a denial of service attack or remote code execution in baseband module.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/18/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-15311 represents a critical stack overflow flaw within the baseband modules of several Huawei smartphone models including the Mate 10 series and Mate 9 series. This vulnerability stems from insufficient parameter validation within the baseband processing components that handle wireless communication protocols. The affected devices operate with software versions prior to specific release thresholds including ALP-AL00 8.0.0.120(SP2C00), BLA-AL00 8.0.0.120(SP2C00), MHA-AL00B 8.0.0.334(C00), and LON-AL00B 8.0.0.334(C00). The flaw manifests when the baseband module processes specially crafted wireless packets transmitted by malicious devices within radio range, creating a condition where the stack memory becomes corrupted through buffer overflow techniques.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of wireless communication protocols that the baseband module handles during normal operation. When malicious packets are received, the absence of proper input validation causes the module to improperly process the data, leading to stack memory corruption that can result in system instability. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and represents a classic example of insufficient validation of input parameters within communication protocols. The attack vector leverages the wireless communication capabilities of the device, specifically targeting the baseband processor that manages cellular and wireless connectivity functions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service conditions to potentially enable remote code execution within the baseband module. This represents a severe security risk as the baseband processor operates at a privileged level within the device architecture, often with direct access to hardware components and system resources. An attacker capable of exploiting this vulnerability could potentially execute arbitrary code within the baseband environment, which may provide access to sensitive device functions, communication channels, or even enable more sophisticated attacks such as persistent backdoor installation. The remote nature of the attack means that adversaries do not require physical access to the device, making this vulnerability particularly concerning from a security perspective.
From a threat modeling perspective, this vulnerability maps to several ATT&CK techniques including T1059.007 for remote code execution and T1489 for denial of service attacks. The attack surface is particularly concerning because the baseband module typically operates with elevated privileges and has direct hardware access, making exploitation potentially devastating. Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate software updates and patches for affected devices, as well as network-level monitoring to detect anomalous wireless communication patterns. Device manufacturers should implement robust input validation mechanisms within baseband modules and establish secure coding practices that prevent buffer overflow conditions. Additionally, network operators should consider implementing detection systems that can identify and isolate malicious wireless traffic patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts against such vulnerabilities.