CVE-2017-15340 in Huawei
Summary
by MITRE
Huawei smartphones with software of TAG-AL00C92B168 have an information disclosure vulnerability. An attacker tricks the user to install a crafted application, this application simulate click action to back up data in a non-encrypted way using an Android assist function. Successful exploit could result in information disclosure.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/08/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-15340 represents a significant information disclosure flaw affecting Huawei smartphones running software version TAG-AL00C92B168. This security weakness stems from the improper handling of Android assist functions during data backup operations, creating an avenue for malicious actors to extract sensitive user information. The vulnerability specifically targets the backup mechanism that occurs when users interact with the device's assistive services, which are designed to provide contextual assistance during application usage. The flaw exploits the trust relationship between the Android framework and assistive applications, allowing crafted malicious software to simulate user interactions and access backup data that should remain protected. This represents a critical failure in Android's security model where legitimate assistive functionality becomes weaponized for unauthorized data access.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability leverages the Android assist function as a pivot point for information extraction. When a user installs a malicious application, it can programmatically trigger the assist service to simulate user actions that initiate unencrypted data backup processes. The exploit relies on the fact that certain backup operations within Huawei's implementation do not properly enforce encryption requirements, particularly when triggered through assistive services rather than direct user interaction. The malicious application essentially acts as a man-in-the-middle, intercepting and manipulating the backup workflow to capture sensitive data that would normally be protected. This technique demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of Android's accessibility framework and how assist services can be abused to bypass normal security controls. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which addresses information exposure through improper access control, and represents a classic case of privilege escalation through social engineering and application manipulation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft to encompass comprehensive user privacy compromise. Successful exploitation could result in the disclosure of personal information, device credentials, application data, and potentially sensitive communication content stored in the backup files. The attack vector requires user interaction through installation of a malicious application, making it particularly concerning as it combines social engineering with technical exploitation. Attackers can craft applications that appear legitimate while silently performing unauthorized backup operations that expose sensitive data. This vulnerability particularly affects users who rely on automatic backup features and may not be aware of the security implications of installing third-party applications. The risk is amplified by the fact that the backup process occurs without explicit user confirmation when triggered through assistive services, creating a stealthy method for information extraction that can go unnoticed by the user. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1056.001, which covers input injection through assistive technologies.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-15340 should focus on both immediate user protection and long-term system hardening measures. Users should avoid installing applications from untrusted sources and maintain awareness of the permissions granted to assistive applications. Device administrators should implement strict application installation policies and regularly update device firmware to address known vulnerabilities. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper access control implementation within Android's assistive services framework, requiring developers to ensure that backup operations are properly encrypted regardless of how they are initiated. System-level protections should include enhanced monitoring of assistive service usage and mandatory encryption enforcement for all backup operations. Security vendors should implement detection mechanisms that can identify malicious applications attempting to abuse assistive services for data extraction purposes. Organizations should consider implementing mobile device management solutions that can restrict assistive service access and monitor for suspicious backup activities. The vulnerability underscores the need for comprehensive security testing of Android's accessibility features and highlights the critical importance of ensuring that security controls remain effective regardless of the interaction method used to trigger system functions.