CVE-2017-17175 in Mate 9 Pro
Summary
by MITRE
Short Message Service (SMS) module of Mate 9 Pro Huawei smart phones with the versions before LON-AL00B 8.0.0.354(C00) has a Denial of Service (DoS) vulnerability. An unauthenticated attacker may set up a pseudo base station, and send special malware text message to the phone, causing the mobile phone to fail to make calls and send and receive text messages.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/29/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-17175 represents a critical denial of service weakness within the SMS module of Huawei Mate 9 Pro smartphones running firmware versions prior to LON-AL00B 8.0.0.354(C00). This flaw exposes users to potential disruption of essential communication services through a relatively simple attack vector that leverages the phone's cellular connectivity infrastructure. The vulnerability operates at the intersection of mobile network protocols and device-specific implementation weaknesses, creating a scenario where legitimate communication services can be rendered unavailable through malicious message transmission.
The technical mechanism behind this vulnerability involves the exploitation of how the affected Huawei devices process incoming SMS messages within their cellular radio subsystem. An attacker positioned within the network coverage area can establish a pseudo base station that mimics legitimate cellular infrastructure, allowing them to inject specially crafted malicious text messages into the target device's SMS processing pipeline. This attack methodology aligns with the broader category of cellular network-based attacks that target device-specific implementations rather than fundamental network protocols, making it particularly challenging to defend against through traditional network-level security measures. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and error handling within the SMS processing component of the phone's operating system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption to encompass fundamental communication capabilities that users rely upon for personal and professional activities. When exploited, the vulnerability causes complete failure of voice call functionality and text messaging services, effectively isolating the affected device from all cellular communication channels. This disruption occurs without requiring authentication or specialized equipment beyond the ability to establish a pseudo base station, making it accessible to adversaries with minimal technical expertise. The attack can be executed remotely without physical access to the target device, representing a significant threat to user privacy and communication integrity. The vulnerability creates a persistent state where the device remains unusable for essential communication functions until manual intervention or firmware update occurs, potentially affecting critical communication scenarios.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require both immediate device-specific actions and broader network infrastructure considerations. Users should immediately update their Huawei Mate 9 Pro devices to firmware version LON-AL00B 8.0.0.354(C00) or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the SMS processing flaw. Network operators should consider implementing monitoring systems to detect anomalous pseudo base station activity and potential malicious SMS traffic patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure implementation practices for mobile network protocols and highlights the need for comprehensive testing of device-specific software components before deployment. Organizations and individuals should also consider implementing communication redundancy measures and maintaining awareness of their device's firmware status to prevent exploitation of similar vulnerabilities. This case exemplifies the broader challenge of securing mobile device ecosystems where vulnerabilities in specialized components can create widespread service disruption without requiring sophisticated attack capabilities. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date device firmware and understanding the security implications of mobile network interactions, particularly in environments where communication reliability is paramount.