CVE-2017-17227 in Mate 10
Summary
by MITRE
GPU driver in Huawei Mate 10 smart phones with the versions before ALP-L09 8.0.0.120(C212); The versions before ALP-L09 8.0.0.127(C900); The versions before ALP-L09 8.0.0.128(402/C02/C109/C346/C432/C652) has a out-of-bounds memory access vulnerability due to the input parameters validation. An attacker tricks a user into installing a malicious application on the smart phone, and the application can call the driver with special parameter and cause accessing out-of-bounds memory. Successful exploit may result in phone crash or arbitrary code execution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/21/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-17227 represents a critical out-of-bounds memory access flaw within the graphics processing unit driver of Huawei Mate 10 smartphones. This security weakness affects multiple software versions including ALP-L09 8.0.0.120(C212), ALP-L09 8.0.0.127(C900), and ALP-L09 8.0.0.128 with various build identifiers. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input parameter validation within the GPU driver component, creating a pathway for malicious exploitation. This flaw specifically resides in the kernel-level graphics driver that manages hardware acceleration for graphical operations, making it particularly dangerous as it operates at the lowest privilege level of the system.
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 invoke the vulnerable GPU driver with specially crafted parameters that trigger the out-of-bounds memory access condition. This type of vulnerability maps directly to CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions in software systems. The exploitation mechanism leverages the privilege escalation capabilities inherent in kernel drivers, allowing the malicious code to execute with elevated privileges typically reserved for system-level operations. The attack requires no physical access to the device and can be executed remotely through application distribution channels.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple system instability to encompass full system compromise capabilities. Successful exploitation can result in complete device crash and potential arbitrary code execution, providing attackers with a foothold for more sophisticated attacks. This vulnerability creates a persistent threat vector that can be used for data exfiltration, system monitoring, or as a launching point for additional attacks within the device ecosystem. The implications are particularly severe given that smartphones contain sensitive personal and corporate data, making this vulnerability attractive to both cybercriminals and state-sponsored actors. The attack surface is broad as it affects multiple variants of the same smartphone model, indicating a systemic flaw in the driver implementation rather than isolated component issues.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-17227 should prioritize immediate firmware updates from Huawei, as the vulnerability exists in the base system software rather than user applications. Users should avoid installing applications from untrusted sources and maintain strict application permission controls. Network administrators should implement mobile device management policies that restrict application installation and monitor for suspicious behavior patterns. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and bounds checking in kernel-level components, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for execution through kernel modules. Organizations should also consider implementing mobile threat defense solutions that can detect and prevent exploitation attempts targeting such low-level system vulnerabilities, ensuring comprehensive protection against similar threats in the broader mobile ecosystem.