CVE-2017-17306 in Smart Phone
Summary
by MITRE
Some Huawei Smartphones with software of VNS-L21AUTC555B141, VNS-L21C10B160, VNS-L21C66B160, VNS-L21C703B140 have an array out-of-bounds read vulnerability. Due to the lack verification of array, an attacker tricks a user into installing a malicious application, and the application can exploit the vulnerability and make attacker to read out of bounds of array and possibly cause the device abnormal.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/22/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-17306 represents a critical array out-of-bounds read flaw affecting specific Huawei smartphone models running designated software versions. This vulnerability resides within the mobile operating system's memory management mechanisms, where insufficient input validation permits unauthorized memory access patterns. The affected devices operate under the VNS-L21AUTC555B141, VNS-L21C10B160, VNS-L21C66B160, and VNS-L21C703B140 firmware versions, indicating a widespread issue across multiple device variants within Huawei's product line. The flaw stems from inadequate bounds checking during array operations, creating a pathway for malicious code execution through seemingly legitimate application installation processes. This vulnerability classification aligns with CWE-129, which specifically addresses insufficient bounds checking in array access operations, and falls under the broader category of memory safety issues that compromise system integrity. The security implications extend beyond simple data corruption, as this vulnerability enables attackers to access memory regions beyond intended array boundaries, potentially exposing sensitive system information or creating conditions for further exploitation.
The exploitation mechanism for this vulnerability relies on social engineering tactics to convince users to install malicious applications, which then leverage the array out-of-bounds read condition to execute unauthorized memory reads. This approach represents a sophisticated attack vector that combines user deception with technical exploitation, allowing threat actors to potentially extract confidential data or system information from the device's memory space. The malicious application can traverse memory locations beyond the legitimate array boundaries, potentially accessing system memory regions containing sensitive information such as cryptographic keys, user credentials, or system configuration data. The operational impact of this vulnerability extends to device stability and user privacy, as attackers can cause abnormal device behavior through memory corruption or extract valuable information through controlled memory reads. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of robust input validation and memory safety practices in mobile operating systems, where a single oversight in bounds checking can create persistent security risks across multiple device generations.
The potential consequences of this vulnerability encompass both immediate device instability and long-term privacy risks for affected users. When exploited, the array out-of-bounds read condition can cause system crashes, unexpected reboots, or abnormal device behavior that disrupts normal user operations. More critically, the vulnerability may enable attackers to extract sensitive information from memory locations that should remain protected, potentially compromising user data, authentication tokens, or system security parameters. The attack surface for this vulnerability includes any application installed on the affected devices, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users may encounter untrusted applications or where automatic application updates occur. From an operational security perspective, this vulnerability represents a significant concern for enterprise deployments and organizations relying on Huawei devices, as it creates persistent exposure windows that could be exploited for data exfiltration or further attack progression. Organizations should consider implementing network-based monitoring solutions to detect potential exploitation attempts and ensure timely firmware updates are deployed to address this vulnerability.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-17306 should prioritize immediate firmware updates from Huawei to address the root cause of the array out-of-bounds read condition. System administrators and security teams should implement application whitelisting policies to prevent installation of untrusted applications that could exploit this vulnerability. Network monitoring solutions should be configured to detect anomalous memory access patterns or unusual application behavior that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of secure coding practices and thorough code review processes, particularly in mobile operating system components where memory safety is critical. Organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify other potential array bounds checking issues within their mobile device management frameworks. Regular security testing and penetration testing of mobile platforms should include memory safety validation to identify similar vulnerabilities before they can be exploited by threat actors. Implementation of mobile threat defense solutions can provide additional layers of protection by monitoring for suspicious application behavior and potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date mobile device security and implementing comprehensive security controls across all mobile endpoints to prevent exploitation of memory safety vulnerabilities that could compromise device integrity and user privacy.