CVE-2017-15318 in RP200
Summary
by MITRE
RP200 V500R002C00, V600R006C00; TE30 V100R001C10, V500R002C00, V600R006C00; TE40 V500R002C00, V600R006C00; TE50 V500R002C00, V600R006C00; TE60 V100R001C10, V500R002C00, V600R006C00 have an out-of-bounds read vulnerabilities in some Huawei products. Due to insufficient input validation, a remote attacker could exploit these vulnerabilities by sending specially crafted SS7 related packets to the target devices. Successful exploit will cause out-of-bounds read and possibly crash the system.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/18/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-15318 represents a critical out-of-bounds read flaw affecting multiple Huawei communication devices including RP200 and various TE series terminals. This vulnerability manifests in specific firmware versions across different product lines, highlighting a widespread issue within Huawei's telecommunication infrastructure. The affected devices operate within the SS7 protocol stack which governs signaling in telecommunication networks, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for network infrastructure security. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the processing of SS7 related packets, creating a pathway for remote exploitation that could compromise system integrity and availability.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the failure of proper bounds checking when processing incoming SS7 packets, allowing an attacker to craft malicious data sequences that exceed the allocated memory boundaries. This particular flaw falls under CWE-129, which specifically addresses insufficient input validation, and more broadly aligns with CWE-125, describing out-of-bounds read conditions. The attack vector requires remote access through network communication channels where SS7 signaling is processed, enabling an attacker to send specially crafted packets that trigger the memory access violation. The exploitation process leverages the inherent design weakness in how the systems handle packet parsing, specifically when dealing with malformed or oversized SS7 message structures that bypass normal validation procedures.
From an operational perspective, successful exploitation of this vulnerability can result in system crashes and complete service disruption for affected telecommunication infrastructure. The impact extends beyond simple denial-of-service conditions as the out-of-bounds read can potentially expose sensitive memory contents or create conditions that allow further exploitation. Network operators utilizing these Huawei devices face significant risk of service interruptions and potential data exposure, particularly in environments where SS7 signaling is critical for call setup and management. The vulnerability affects devices that are fundamental to telecommunication networks, meaning that exploitation could compromise the reliability of voice and data services across affected networks. Organizations implementing these devices must consider the cascading effects of such vulnerabilities on their overall network security posture and service availability.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-15318 should prioritize immediate firmware updates from Huawei addressing the input validation deficiencies in SS7 packet processing. Network segmentation and monitoring of SS7 traffic can provide additional layers of defense by limiting exposure and enabling detection of anomalous packet patterns. Implementing proper access controls and network filtering rules can reduce the attack surface for remote exploitation attempts. Security professionals should also consider deploying intrusion detection systems capable of identifying crafted SS7 packets that match the vulnerability characteristics. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1059, representing system service manipulation, and T1071, covering application layer protocols, indicating the need for comprehensive network monitoring and access control measures. Organizations should also conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify all affected devices within their network infrastructure and establish incident response procedures specifically addressing communication protocol vulnerabilities.