CVE-2017-2701 in Mate 9
Summary
by MITRE
Mate 9 with software MHA-AL00AC00B125 has a denial of service (DoS) vulnerability. An attacker tricks a user into installing a malicious application. Since the system does not verify the broadcasting message from the application, it could be exploited to cause some functions of system unavailable.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/11/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-2701 affects Huawei Mate 9 devices running software version MHA-AL00AC00B125 and represents a significant denial of service flaw that undermines system stability and user experience. This vulnerability operates through a sophisticated attack vector that leverages the trust relationship between the operating system and applications, specifically targeting the broadcast message handling mechanism within the Android-based system. The flaw manifests when an attacker successfully tricks a user into installing a malicious application that can then exploit the system's insufficient verification processes for broadcast messages.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and message authentication mechanisms within the system's inter-process communication framework. When a malicious application is installed, it can broadcast specially crafted messages that bypass normal system verification checks, allowing unauthorized code execution or system state manipulation. This weakness directly corresponds to CWE-20, which describes improper input validation, and CWE-345, which addresses insufficient verification of data authenticity. The vulnerability operates at the system level, affecting core functionalities and potentially compromising the entire device's operational integrity.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption, as it creates a persistent threat that can render critical system functions unavailable to legitimate users. Attackers can exploit this weakness to cause arbitrary system instability, application crashes, or even complete system lockups that require manual intervention or device reboot. The attack surface is particularly concerning because it requires only user interaction to install a malicious application, making it an effective vector for social engineering campaigns. The DoS condition can affect various system components including network connectivity, user interface responsiveness, and core application services, fundamentally undermining the device's usability and reliability.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-2701 should focus on strengthening the system's broadcast message verification mechanisms and implementing robust application sandboxing policies. Security patches should enforce strict authentication checks for all broadcast messages and establish proper privilege validation for application components. Organizations and users should implement application whitelisting policies to prevent unauthorized installations, while system administrators should monitor for suspicious broadcast activities. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059, which covers command and scripting interpreter, as it enables attackers to manipulate system processes through legitimate but compromised application interfaces. The recommended approach includes regular security updates, enhanced user education about application installation practices, and implementation of mobile device management solutions that can detect and prevent exploitation attempts.