CVE-2017-8151 in Honor 5S
Summary
by MITRE
Huawei Honor 5S smart phones with software the versions before TAG-TL00C01B173 have an authentication bypass vulnerability due to the improper design of some components. An attacker can get a user's smart phone and install malicious apps in the mobile phone, allowing the attacker to reset the password and fingerprint of the phone without authentication.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/11/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-8151 affects Huawei Honor 5S smartphones running software versions prior to TAG-TL00C01B173, representing a critical authentication bypass flaw that undermines the device's security architecture. This vulnerability stems from improper design of core authentication components within the mobile operating system, specifically targeting the password and fingerprint authentication mechanisms. The flaw allows an attacker with physical access to the device to bypass legitimate authentication processes through the installation of malicious applications, effectively compromising the device's security posture.
This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-287, which addresses improper authentication issues in software systems, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1548.002 related to abuse of authentication tokens and credential dumping. The technical implementation flaw lies in the insufficient validation of authentication requests within the device's security framework, allowing malicious applications to exploit system interfaces that should remain restricted to legitimate system processes. The vulnerability's design flaw enables unauthorized modification of critical security parameters without proper authentication, creating a persistent backdoor for attackers who gain physical possession of the device.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it provides attackers with complete control over the device's authentication mechanisms. Once an attacker installs malicious applications, they can reset both password and fingerprint data, effectively locking out legitimate users while simultaneously gaining persistent access to the device. This represents a severe compromise of the device's integrity and confidentiality, as attackers can subsequently access all stored data, communications, and applications without requiring additional authentication credentials. The vulnerability is particularly concerning given that it can be exploited through physical possession alone, eliminating the need for network-based attacks or sophisticated social engineering.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-8151 should prioritize immediate software updates to the affected Huawei Honor 5S devices, specifically targeting the TAG-TL00C01B173 firmware version or later. Organizations and individuals should implement comprehensive device management policies that include regular security updates, device encryption, and physical security measures to prevent unauthorized access. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper access control design and the need for robust authentication mechanisms that cannot be bypassed through malicious application installation. Security professionals should conduct thorough risk assessments of mobile device environments and implement additional monitoring controls to detect unauthorized application installations that could exploit similar vulnerabilities. System administrators should also consider device wiping capabilities and remote management features that can be activated if physical security is compromised, aligning with ATT&CK techniques for defensive measures against credential access attacks.