CVE-2017-8170 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.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/16/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-8170 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw affecting Huawei smartphones running software versions prior to VIE-L09C40B360. This weakness stems from inadequate parameter validation within the device's software architecture, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by malicious actors to gain unauthorized control over affected devices. The vulnerability specifically impacts the smartphone's ability to process incoming parameters from applications, particularly those with elevated privileges, making it a significant concern for mobile security. The flaw operates at the system level where input validation mechanisms fail to properly sanitize data passed to vulnerable functions, allowing attackers to craft malicious payloads that can manipulate memory structures beyond their intended boundaries.
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 multi-layered nature of the attack, requiring both user deception and privilege escalation to achieve successful exploitation. Once installed, the malicious application can send specifically crafted parameters to the vulnerable smartphone's processing functions, triggering the buffer overflow condition. The consequences of successful exploitation include both system instability through device restarts and more dangerous arbitrary code execution capabilities that could allow complete system compromise. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and represents a classic example of how insufficient input validation can lead to remote code execution in mobile environments.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-8170 extends beyond simple device disruption to encompass serious security implications for user privacy and data protection. When an attacker achieves arbitrary code execution through this vulnerability, they can potentially access sensitive user information, intercept communications, install additional malware, or even take complete control of the device. The requirement for root privileges in the malicious application suggests that the vulnerability may be particularly dangerous in environments where users have elevated trust levels with applications or where privilege escalation occurs through legitimate means. This makes the attack surface more expansive as users may unknowingly grant applications the necessary permissions to exploit this vulnerability. The vulnerability's potential for persistent exploitation also means that once compromised, devices could remain under attacker control until the software is updated or the device is factory reset.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-8170 must focus on both immediate remediation and long-term security improvements. The primary and most effective solution involves updating affected Huawei smartphones to software versions VIE-L09C40B360 or later, which contain the necessary patches to address the parameter validation deficiencies. Organizations should implement comprehensive mobile device management protocols to ensure timely deployment of security updates across all affected devices. Additionally, users should be educated about the risks of installing applications from untrusted sources and the importance of maintaining current software versions. Security teams should monitor for indicators of compromise related to this vulnerability and implement network-based detection measures to identify potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices and proper input validation, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter execution. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies and privilege separation mechanisms to reduce the attack surface and limit the potential impact of similar vulnerabilities in the future.