CVE-2017-8161 in EVA-L09
Summary
by MITRE
EVA-L09 smartphones with software Earlier than EVA-L09C25B150CUSTC25D003 versions,Earlier than EVA-L09C440B140 versions,Earlier than EVA-L09C464B361 versions,Earlier than EVA-L09C675B320CUSTC675D004 versions have Factory Reset Protection (FRP) bypass security vulnerability. When re-configuring the mobile phone using the factory reset protection (FRP) function, an attacker can login the Swype and can perform some operations to update the Google account. As a result, the FRP function is bypassed.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/16/2023
The CVE-2017-8161 vulnerability affects EVA-L09 smartphones running specific software versions, representing a critical security flaw in the Factory Reset Protection mechanism designed to prevent unauthorized device access after factory resets. This vulnerability stems from insufficient validation during the device reconfiguration process, allowing attackers to exploit weaknesses in the authentication flow that should otherwise prevent unauthorized users from bypassing the FRP protection. The flaw specifically manifests when users attempt to reconfigure their devices through the factory reset function, creating an exploitable pathway that undermines the fundamental security assumptions of the device's protection mechanisms.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a flaw in the device's FRP enforcement logic where the system fails to properly validate authentication credentials during the reset process. Attackers can leverage this weakness by logging into the Swype keyboard application and performing operations that update the Google account information associated with the device. This manipulation effectively circumvents the intended security controls that should prevent unauthorized access to the device's functionality. The vulnerability operates at the system-level integration point between the device's reset mechanism and Google's account authentication framework, creating an attack surface that allows for privilege escalation through account manipulation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it allows attackers to completely bypass the device's intended security protections, potentially enabling full device compromise and data access. Once the FRP is bypassed, attackers gain unrestricted access to the device's functionality, including the ability to access stored data, install malicious applications, and potentially use the device for further attacks. This vulnerability particularly affects the device's integrity and confidentiality guarantees, as it undermines the manufacturer's security assurances and creates opportunities for unauthorized data exfiltration, identity theft, and device-based attacks. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond individual device security to potentially compromise enterprise security if affected devices are used in business environments.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate firmware updates to the affected EVA-L09 devices, ensuring that users upgrade to versions that address the FRP bypass mechanism. Organizations should implement comprehensive device management policies that enforce mandatory security updates and monitor for affected devices within their networks. Security teams should consider implementing additional monitoring for unauthorized account modifications and device access attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-305 authentication weakness patterns and corresponds to ATT&CK technique T1552.001 for credential access through legitimate credentials. Device manufacturers should enhance their security testing procedures to identify similar authentication bypass opportunities and implement more robust validation mechanisms during device reconfiguration processes.