CVE-2017-2713 in Huawei
Summary
by MITRE
HUAWEI P9 smartphones with software versions earlier before EVA-L09C432B383, versions earlier before EVA-L09C636B380, versions earlier before VIE-L09C432B370, versions earlier before VIE-L29C636B370 have an insufficient input validation vulnerability. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability to tamper with air interface signaling messages and obtain some communication information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/11/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-2713 affects Huawei P9 smartphones running specific software versions prior to the mentioned build numbers. This represents a critical security flaw in the mobile device's air interface signaling mechanism that operates at the cellular network communication layer. The issue stems from inadequate input validation processes within the device's radio frequency communication stack, which is responsible for handling signaling messages between the smartphone and cellular base stations. Such vulnerabilities are particularly dangerous because they operate at the foundational level of mobile communication protocols, potentially allowing attackers to manipulate the very data streams that ensure secure network connectivity and user privacy.
The technical flaw manifests as insufficient validation of incoming air interface signaling messages, which are critical control messages used by cellular networks to manage connections, authenticate users, and maintain communication integrity. When input validation is inadequate, malicious actors can craft and inject modified signaling messages that exploit the device's trust in legitimate network communications. This vulnerability specifically targets the radio interface layer where the device processes network control information, creating a pathway for attackers to intercept, modify, or manipulate signaling data without requiring physical access to the device or sophisticated network positioning. The flaw aligns with CWE-20, which categorizes improper input validation as a fundamental security weakness that can lead to various attack vectors including injection attacks and data manipulation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data interception to potentially enable more sophisticated attacks within the mobile communication ecosystem. Attackers could exploit this weakness to perform man-in-the-middle operations on cellular communications, potentially gaining access to sensitive information such as location data, communication patterns, and network authentication tokens. The vulnerability creates a persistent risk for users who may unknowingly expose their communication data to unauthorized parties, particularly in scenarios where cellular networks are used for sensitive transactions or communications. This type of vulnerability is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where mobile devices handle confidential business communications and could potentially serve as a foothold for broader network infiltration attacks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-2713 primarily focus on software updates and firmware patches provided by Huawei to address the input validation deficiencies in the affected device models. Users should immediately update their devices to the latest available software versions that contain fixes for this vulnerability, as these patches typically implement enhanced validation mechanisms for signaling messages. Network operators should also consider implementing additional monitoring protocols to detect anomalous signaling behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts. From a defensive perspective, this vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices and thorough validation of all network communication inputs, aligning with ATT&CK framework techniques related to network sniffing and protocol manipulation. Organizations should also implement network segmentation and monitoring solutions to detect unusual communication patterns that could indicate exploitation of such vulnerabilities in their mobile device fleets.