CVE-2017-17225 in Mate 9 Pro
Summary
by MITRE
The Near Field Communication (NFC) module in Huawei Mate 9 Pro mobile phones with the versions before LON-AL00B 8.0.0.340a(C00) has a buffer overflow vulnerability due to the lack of input validation. An attacker may use an NFC card reader or another device to inject malicious data into a target mobile phone. Successful exploit could lead to system restart or arbitrary code execution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/21/2023
The CVE-2017-17225 vulnerability represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the NFC module of Huawei Mate 9 Pro devices running firmware versions prior to LON-AL00B 8.0.0.340a(C00). This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the NFC processing stack, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit the device's wireless communication capabilities. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it leverages the widely accessible NFC interface, which is designed for convenient contactless transactions and data exchange between devices. The flaw exists at the kernel level within the NFC subsystem where incoming data from NFC cards or devices is processed without proper bounds checking, allowing attackers to overflow buffers and potentially overwrite critical memory regions.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a well-defined attack pattern that aligns with common software security principles and attack methodologies. The buffer overflow occurs when maliciously crafted NFC data exceeds the allocated buffer space within the NFC processing module, causing memory corruption that can be leveraged to execute arbitrary code. This type of vulnerability maps directly to CWE-121, which describes buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations. The attack vector is particularly insidious because it requires minimal physical proximity and can be executed through standard NFC card readers or compatible devices, making it accessible to attackers in various threat scenarios. The exploitation process typically involves crafting malicious NFC data payloads that trigger the buffer overflow condition during normal NFC data processing operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple system instability to encompass full system compromise and potential data exfiltration capabilities. Successful exploitation could result in unauthorized code execution with elevated privileges, potentially allowing attackers to gain root access to the device and execute malicious commands. The system restart capability mentioned in the vulnerability description represents a denial-of-service vector that can be used to disrupt device functionality, while the arbitrary code execution potential opens pathways for persistent malware installation, data theft, and further attack escalation. This vulnerability affects the device's core security model by undermining the trust boundaries established between legitimate NFC operations and potentially malicious inputs, creating a persistent threat vector that remains active as long as the vulnerable firmware version is installed.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-17225 must address both immediate remediation and long-term security posture improvements. The primary and most effective mitigation is the firmware update provided by Huawei, which includes proper input validation and bounds checking mechanisms within the NFC processing module. Organizations and individuals should prioritize immediate firmware updates to address this vulnerability, as the window for exploitation remains open until the patch is applied. Network administrators should consider implementing NFC disable policies for devices in high-risk environments where physical security cannot be guaranteed. Security professionals should monitor for indicators of compromise related to NFC-based attacks and implement appropriate network segmentation to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of secure coding practices and input validation testing, as reflected in ATT&CK technique T1059 for executing malicious code and T1133 for persistence mechanisms that could be established through this vulnerability.