CVE-2017-8146 in P10
Summary
by MITRE
The call module of P10 and P10 Plus smrtphones with software the versions before VTR-AL00C00B167, the versions before VTR-TL00C01B167, the versions before VKY-AL00C00B167, the vertions before VKY-TL00C01B167 has a DoS vulnerability. An attacker may trick a user into installing a malicious application, and the application can send given parameter to call module to crash the call and data communication process.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/11/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-8146 represents a denial of service weakness within the call module of Huawei P10 and P10 Plus smartphones running specific firmware versions. This security flaw resides in the telecommunications processing subsystem that handles voice calls and data communication functions. The vulnerability manifests when malicious applications exploit improper parameter validation within the call module, allowing attackers to trigger system crashes through crafted inputs. The affected software versions include VTR-AL00C00B167, VTR-TL00C01B167, VKY-AL00C00B167, and VKY-TL00C01B167, indicating this issue impacts a significant portion of Huawei's flagship devices from 2017. The vulnerability operates under the principle of input validation failure, where the system fails to properly sanitize or validate parameters passed to the call processing module, creating a potential attack vector that could disrupt normal telecommunications services.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through social engineering tactics that trick users into installing malicious applications. Once installed, these applications can send specifically crafted parameters directly to the call module, causing it to enter an unstable state that results in complete system crashes. The attack vector demonstrates characteristics consistent with CWE-121, which addresses buffer overflow conditions, and CWE-122, concerning buffer overflow in heap memory. The vulnerability specifically targets the telecommunications subsystem's response to malformed input parameters, which could include crafted phone numbers, call metadata, or communication protocol values. This weakness allows for arbitrary code execution within the context of the call module, potentially enabling more severe attacks beyond simple denial of service. The exploitation process requires minimal user interaction beyond the initial installation of the malicious application, making it particularly dangerous in real-world scenarios.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-8146 extends beyond simple service disruption to potentially compromise the overall security posture of affected devices. When the call module crashes, it affects not only voice communication capabilities but also data connectivity, as the same underlying subsystem often handles both functions. This vulnerability creates an attack surface that could be leveraged by threat actors to establish persistent access or to conduct more sophisticated attacks. The affected devices represent a substantial user base, particularly in enterprise and consumer markets where telecommunications reliability is critical. The vulnerability also demonstrates the importance of proper input validation in mobile operating systems, as it affects core system functions that users rely on daily. Security researchers have noted that this type of vulnerability often serves as a stepping stone for more complex attacks, as it can be used to gain insights into the device's internal architecture and potentially bypass other security mechanisms.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on both immediate remediation and long-term security improvements. The primary solution involves updating affected devices to firmware versions that address the parameter validation flaws in the call module. Users should be advised to install the latest security patches from Huawei, which typically include enhanced input validation routines and improved error handling within the telecommunications subsystem. Security administrators should implement network monitoring to detect anomalous call behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also highlights the need for comprehensive mobile security testing, particularly focusing on subsystems that handle user interactions with core telecommunications functions. Organizations should consider implementing application whitelisting policies to prevent installation of untrusted applications that could exploit this weakness. Additionally, the incident underscores the importance of adhering to security standards such as those defined in the ATT&CK framework, particularly those related to privilege escalation and execution through system services. Regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in mobile device operating systems and their associated modules.