CVE-2017-8169 in VIE-L09
Summary
by MITRE
Huawei smart phones with software earlier than VIE-L09C40B360 versions have a buffer overflow vulnerability due to the lack of parameter validation. An attacker tricks a user into installing a malicious APP which has the root privilege; the APP can send a specific parameter to the smart phone, causing the smartphone restart or arbitrary code execution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/16/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-8169 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw in Huawei smartphone devices running software versions prior to VIE-L09C40B360. This weakness stems from inadequate parameter validation within the device's operating system framework, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by malicious actors. The vulnerability specifically affects Huawei smartphones that utilize the Android-based operating system, where the absence of proper input sanitization allows attackers to craft malicious payloads that can compromise device integrity. The flaw resides in the system's handling of user-supplied parameters, which are processed without sufficient validation mechanisms to prevent buffer overflows.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a sophisticated social engineering attack vector where an attacker must first convince a user to install a malicious application that has been granted root privileges. This prerequisite demonstrates the vulnerability's reliance on privilege escalation, as the malicious application must already have elevated access to the device's core functionalities. Once installed, the malicious application can send specifically crafted parameters to the vulnerable smartphone's system processes, triggering the buffer overflow condition that results in either unauthorized device restarts or complete arbitrary code execution capabilities. The buffer overflow mechanism allows attackers to overwrite critical memory segments and potentially execute malicious code with the highest system privileges available.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-8169 extends beyond simple device disruption to encompass full system compromise and potential data exfiltration. When successful, the vulnerability enables attackers to gain complete control over the affected smartphone, potentially accessing sensitive user data including personal communications, financial information, and authentication credentials. The ability to force device restarts creates opportunities for persistent attack vectors where malicious actors can repeatedly exploit the vulnerability to maintain access or disrupt normal device operations. The root privilege requirement for the malicious application indicates that this vulnerability can be leveraged to establish persistent backdoors, making it particularly dangerous for enterprise environments where smartphone security is paramount. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and demonstrates characteristics consistent with ATT&CK technique T1068, which involves exploiting legitimate credentials and system access to gain unauthorized privileges.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-8169 primarily focus on immediate software updates and user awareness measures. Huawei has addressed this vulnerability through the VIE-L09C40B360 software update, which implements proper parameter validation mechanisms to prevent buffer overflow conditions. Organizations and individuals should prioritize immediate deployment of this security patch to eliminate the risk of exploitation. Additionally, users must exercise extreme caution when installing applications from untrusted sources, as the attack requires initial privilege escalation through a malicious application. Network administrators should implement mobile device management policies that restrict application installation and enforce security updates. The vulnerability's exploitation requires both social engineering and technical components, making comprehensive security awareness training essential for preventing successful attacks. Regular security assessments and monitoring for unauthorized application installations can help detect potential exploitation attempts, while endpoint protection solutions should be configured to detect suspicious parameter handling behaviors that may indicate buffer overflow attempts.