CVE-2017-2730 in HiLink App
Summary
by MITRE
HUAWEI HiLink APP (for IOS) versions earlier before 5.0.25.306 and HUAWEI Tech Support APP (for IOS) versions earlier before 5.0.0 have an information leak vulnerability. When an iPhone with these APPs installed access the Wi-Fi hotpot built by attacker, the attacker can collect the information of iPhone mode and firmware version.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/11/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-2730 represents a significant information disclosure weakness within Huawei's mobile applications designed for iOS devices. This flaw affects both the HiLink APP and the Huawei Tech Support APP, specifically targeting versions prior to 5.0.25.306 and 5.0.0 respectively. The vulnerability manifests when iOS devices with these applications connect to Wi-Fi networks controlled by malicious actors, creating a scenario where sensitive device information can be systematically harvested by attackers. The security implications extend beyond simple data exposure, as this vulnerability enables adversaries to gather critical device metadata that could inform subsequent attack vectors.
The technical mechanism underlying this vulnerability involves the improper handling of network connection states and device identification protocols within the affected applications. When these apps establish connections to attacker-controlled Wi-Fi hotspots, they inadvertently transmit device-specific information including model identifiers and firmware versions through network communication channels. This behavior violates fundamental security principles of information minimization and secure communication practices. The flaw can be categorized under CWE-200, which addresses "Information Exposure" and specifically relates to the unintentional disclosure of sensitive information through network protocols. The vulnerability demonstrates a lack of proper input validation and secure communication channel establishment within the application's network handling code.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information leakage, as it provides attackers with valuable reconnaissance data that can be used to tailor more sophisticated attacks against affected devices. The collected information about iPhone models and firmware versions enables threat actors to identify specific device configurations and potentially exploit known vulnerabilities associated with particular hardware-software combinations. This reconnaissance capability aligns with tactics described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1069.001 technique for "Permission Groups Discovery" and T1082 for "System Information Discovery." The vulnerability essentially provides attackers with a foothold for more advanced persistent threats by enabling them to build detailed profiles of target devices, which can inform the selection of appropriate exploitation techniques and payload delivery methods.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate application updates to versions that address the information disclosure flaw. Organizations should implement network monitoring solutions to detect and alert on suspicious Wi-Fi connection patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. The recommended remediation includes updating both the HiLink APP and Huawei Tech Support APP to their latest secure versions, which contain proper network communication protocols and information handling procedures. Additionally, network administrators should consider implementing wireless network segmentation and access control measures to limit the potential impact of such vulnerabilities. Security awareness training for users about connecting to untrusted Wi-Fi networks can also serve as an effective complementary measure to reduce the attack surface and prevent exploitation of this vulnerability through social engineering approaches.