CVE-2017-2733 in Honor 6X
Summary
by MITRE
Honor 6X smartphones with software versions earlier than BLN-AL10C00B357 and versions earlier than BLN-AL20C00B357 have an information leak vulnerability due to improper file permission configuration. An attacker tricks a user into installing a malicious application on the smart phone, and the application can get the file that keep the cipher text of the SIM card PIN.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/11/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-2733 affects honor 6X smartphones running specific software versions, representing a critical information disclosure flaw that undermines the device's security architecture. This vulnerability stems from improper file permission configuration within the Android-based operating system, creating an exploitable condition that allows malicious applications to access sensitive cryptographic data stored on the device. The affected software versions BLN-AL10C00B357 and BLN-AL20C00B357 contain configuration flaws that fail to properly restrict access to files containing SIM card PIN cipher text, thereby exposing sensitive authentication data to unauthorized applications.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a privilege escalation scenario where a malicious application can manipulate file system permissions to access protected data structures. The flaw operates at the kernel level or system service layer where file access controls are improperly enforced, allowing applications with standard user privileges to read files that should only be accessible to system-level processes. This misconfiguration creates a path for attackers to exploit the device's security model through social engineering tactics that trick users into installing malicious applications. The vulnerability specifically targets the SIM card PIN encryption storage mechanism, which is designed to protect sensitive authentication credentials but fails to maintain proper access controls.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risk to user privacy and device security as it enables attackers to obtain the cryptographic representation of SIM card PINs without requiring physical access to the device or advanced exploitation techniques. The attack vector relies on user interaction through malicious application installation, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users may not be security-aware. Once compromised, attackers can potentially perform SIM card cloning operations, gain unauthorized network access, or conduct further attacks leveraging the stolen PIN information. The impact extends beyond individual device compromise to potentially enable large-scale network infiltration and tracking activities.
Security mitigations for CVE-2017-2733 should focus on immediate firmware updates from the manufacturer, as this vulnerability requires system-level patches to correct the file permission configurations. Users must be educated about the risks of installing applications from untrusted sources and the importance of maintaining up-to-date device software. Network operators should implement monitoring for suspicious authentication patterns that may indicate SIM card cloning attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-276, which addresses improper file permissions, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1059 for execution through malicious applications. Organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify other devices running affected software versions and implement mandatory update policies to prevent exploitation of this information leak vulnerability.