CVE-2017-17140 in Enjoy 5s
Summary
by MITRE
Huawei Enjoy 5s and Y6 Pro smartphones with software the versions before TAG-AL00C92B170; the versions before TIT-L01C576B121 have an information leak vulnerability due to the lack of parameter validation. An attacker tricks a user into installing a malicious application on the smart phone and the application can read some sensitive information in kernel memory which may cause sensitive information leak.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/16/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-17140 represents a critical information disclosure flaw affecting Huawei Enjoy 5s and Y6 Pro smartphones running specific software versions. This security weakness stems from inadequate parameter validation within the device's operating system, creating an exploitable condition that allows malicious applications to access kernel memory contents. The vulnerability specifically impacts devices with software versions prior to TAG-AL00C92B170 and TIT-L01C576B121, highlighting the importance of proper version control and timely security updates in mobile device ecosystems. The flaw demonstrates a fundamental breakdown in the security model of these smartphones, where insufficient input validation permits unauthorized access to sensitive system-level information.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a sophisticated social engineering attack vector where an attacker must convince a user to install a malicious application on the targeted device. Once installed, the malicious application can leverage the information leak vulnerability to read sensitive data from kernel memory, bypassing normal security boundaries that should protect system-level information from unauthorized access. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of information disclosure flaws that can be categorized as CWE-20, which represents "Improper Input Validation" in the Common Weakness Enumeration system. The vulnerability's classification aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001, which describes the use of command and scripting interpreters, as the malicious application would need to execute code to access kernel memory contents.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it creates potential pathways for more sophisticated attacks that could compromise the entire device security model. Attackers who successfully exploit this vulnerability could potentially extract sensitive information such as cryptographic keys, user credentials, or other confidential data stored in kernel memory. The implications are particularly severe given that the vulnerability affects mobile devices where users typically store personal and potentially sensitive information, including financial data, personal communications, and authentication credentials. The lack of proper parameter validation creates a persistent security risk that remains active until the device receives appropriate security updates, making it a particularly concerning flaw in consumer mobile devices that are often used in environments where sensitive data is processed.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate attention from both device manufacturers and end users. Huawei should prioritize issuing security patches and firmware updates that address the parameter validation deficiencies in affected software versions, ensuring that all devices running vulnerable software receive appropriate remediation. Users must be educated about the importance of keeping their devices updated and should be warned against installing applications from untrusted sources that could exploit this vulnerability. The security community should also consider implementing automated detection mechanisms that can identify devices running vulnerable software versions and alert users to potential risks. Additionally, this vulnerability underscores the need for comprehensive security testing of mobile operating systems, particularly focusing on kernel-level access controls and proper input validation mechanisms. Organizations should also implement network monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous behavior indicative of information disclosure attempts, as the vulnerability could potentially be exploited in targeted attacks against specific users or organizations. The incident serves as a reminder of the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date security measures in mobile environments where traditional desktop security controls may not be sufficient.