CVE-2017-8163 in AR120-S
Summary
by MITRE
AR120-S with software V200R006C10, V200R007C00, V200R008C20, V200R008C30,AR1200 with software V200R006C10, V200R006C13, V200R007C00, V200R007C01, V200R007C02, V200R008C20, V200R008C30,AR1200-S with software V200R006C10, V200R007C00, V200R008C20, V200R008C30,AR150 with software V200R006C10, V200R007C00, V200R007C01, V200R007C02, V200R008C20, V200R008C30,AR150-S with software V200R006C10, V200R007C00, V200R008C20, V200R008C30,AR160 with software V200R006C10, V200R006C12, V200R007C00, V200R007C01, V200R007C02, V200R008C20, V200R008C30,AR200 with software V200R006C10, V200R007C00, V200R007C01, V200R008C20, V200R008C30,AR200-S with software V200R006C10, V200R007C00, V200R008C20, V200R008C30,AR2200 with software V200R006C10, V200R006C13, V200R006C16PWE, V200R007C00, V200R007C01, V200R007C02, V200R008C20, V200R008C30,AR2200-S with software V200R006C10, V200R007C00, V200R008C20, V200R008C30,AR3200 with software V200R006C10, V200R006C11, V200R007C00, V200R007C01, V200R007C02, V200R008C00, V200R008C10, V200R008C20, V200R008C30,AR510 with software V200R006C10, V200R006C12, V200R006C13, V200R006C15, V200R006C16, V200R006C17, V200R007C00, V200R008C20, V200R008C30,NetEngine16EX with software V200R006C10, V200R007C00, V200R008C20, V200R008C30,SMC2.0 with software V100R003C10, V100R005C00, V500R002C00, V600R006C00,SRG1300 with software V200R006C10, V200R007C00, V200R007C02, V200R008C20, V200R008C30,SRG2300 with software V200R006C10, V200R007C00, V200R007C02, V200R008C20, V200R008C30,SRG3300 with software V200R006C10, V200R007C00, V200R008C20, V200R008C30 have an out-of-bounds read vulnerability. Due to insufficient input validation, an authenticated, remote attacker could send specially crafted message to the target device.Successful exploit of the vulnerability could cause out-of-bounds read and system crash.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/16/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-8163 represents a critical out-of-bounds read flaw affecting multiple Huawei networking devices and software systems. This vulnerability manifests in various router and switch models including AR120-S, AR1200, AR150, AR160, AR200, AR2200, AR3200, AR510, NetEngine16EX, SMC2.0, SRG1300, SRG2300, and SRG3300 across multiple software versions. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the affected systems, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit the vulnerability through network-based attacks. This issue falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-125, which specifically addresses out-of-bounds read vulnerabilities that can lead to information disclosure and system instability. The vulnerability impacts devices running software versions ranging from V200R006C10 through V200R008C30 for various hardware models, along with specific SMC2.0 versions including V100R003C10, V100R005C00, V500R002C00, and V600R006C00.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an authenticated remote attacker crafts and sends specially designed messages to the targeted device. The insufficient input validation allows malicious data to bypass normal security checks, enabling the attacker to access memory locations beyond the intended buffer boundaries. This out-of-bounds read condition can result in system instability and potentially lead to complete system crashes, as the device attempts to process malformed data beyond its allocated memory space. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers do not require physical access to the devices, making it particularly dangerous for network infrastructure components. The authentication requirement for exploitation indicates that attackers must first gain valid credentials, though this does not significantly reduce the threat level given that many network devices may be configured with default or weak credentials.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-8163 extends beyond simple system crashes to potentially compromise network availability and integrity. Network administrators face the risk of unauthorized access to sensitive network infrastructure, which could lead to data breaches, service interruptions, and potential escalation to more severe attacks. The vulnerability's presence across multiple device models and software versions indicates a widespread issue that requires comprehensive remediation efforts. Organizations with extensive Huawei network deployments face significant operational challenges in identifying and patching all affected systems. The vulnerability's classification within the ATT&CK framework would likely fall under the T1071.004 technique for application layer protocol: DNS, as the exploitation involves sending crafted messages that may utilize DNS or other network protocols to reach the vulnerable systems.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate patching of all affected devices with the vendor-provided security updates. Network segmentation and access control measures should be implemented to limit the potential attack surface, particularly restricting remote access to network infrastructure devices. Monitoring network traffic for suspicious message patterns and implementing intrusion detection systems can help identify exploitation attempts. Organizations should conduct thorough inventory assessments to identify all affected hardware and software versions, ensuring complete remediation across their network infrastructure. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be performed to identify similar weaknesses in other network components. The implementation of network access controls and credential management policies can reduce the likelihood of successful exploitation, while maintaining detailed logging and monitoring capabilities to detect anomalous behavior that may indicate attempted exploitation of this or similar vulnerabilities.