CVE-2017-8144 in Honor 5A
Summary
by MITRE
Honor 5A,Honor 8 Lite,Mate9,Mate9 Pro,P10,P10 Plus Huawei smartphones with software the versions before CAM-L03C605B143CUSTC605D003,the versions before Prague-L03C605B161,the versions before Prague-L23C605B160,the versions before MHA-AL00C00B225,the versions before LON-AL00C00B225,the versions before VTR-AL00C00B167,the versions before VTR-TL00C01B167,the versions before VKY-AL00C00B167,the versions before VKY-TL00C01B167 have a resource exhaustion vulnerability due to configure setting. An attacker tricks a user into installing a malicious application, the application may turn on the device flash-light and rapidly drain the device battery.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/11/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-8144 represents a resource exhaustion issue affecting multiple Huawei smartphone models including the Honor 5A, Honor 8 Lite, Mate9, Mate9 Pro, P10, and P10 Plus. This weakness stems from improper configuration settings within the device's software implementation, specifically in versions prior to several designated build numbers across different device series. The vulnerability operates through a sophisticated social engineering attack vector where an attacker must first convince a user to install a malicious application. This attack method aligns with the ATT&CK framework's technique T1068, which involves exploiting legitimate credentials or system access to execute malicious code.
The technical flaw manifests when the malicious application gains unauthorized access to the device's hardware components, specifically the flash-light functionality. The exploit leverages the device's power management systems by continuously toggling the flash-light on and off at rapid intervals, creating a sustained power drain that leads to complete battery exhaustion. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-400, which categorizes resource exhaustion flaws that can cause system instability or complete failure. The continuous operation of the flash-light component creates a persistent load that exceeds normal operational parameters, effectively consuming battery capacity at an accelerated rate.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple battery drain, as it can render devices unusable during critical moments and potentially provide attackers with additional attack surface opportunities. When the device battery is completely depleted, users may lose access to emergency communications and critical applications. The vulnerability's persistence means that even after the initial malicious application is removed, the device may continue to experience power issues until the underlying configuration problems are resolved. This type of attack represents a significant concern for mobile security frameworks and demonstrates how seemingly benign hardware components can be weaponized through improper software implementation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-8144 require both immediate and long-term approaches to address the root cause of the configuration vulnerability. Users should immediately update their devices to the latest firmware versions that contain patches for this specific issue, particularly targeting the build numbers mentioned in the vulnerability description. System administrators and security teams should implement comprehensive mobile device management policies that restrict application installation from untrusted sources and monitor for suspicious battery drain patterns. The ATT&CK framework's technique T1484.001, which covers privilege escalation through malicious application installation, should be considered when developing defensive strategies. Organizations should also deploy endpoint detection and response solutions that can identify anomalous flash-light usage patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, the vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices and proper hardware abstraction layer implementation, as recommended by industry standards such as the OWASP Mobile Security Project's top ten vulnerabilities. Regular security assessments of mobile platforms should include evaluation of hardware component access controls and power management configurations to prevent similar resource exhaustion attacks from compromising device integrity and user security.