CVE-2017-8177 in HiWallet
Summary
by MITRE
Huawei APP HiWallet earlier than 5.0.3.100 versions do not support signature verification for APK file. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability to hijack the APK and upload modified APK file. Successful exploit could lead to the APP is hijacking.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/16/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-8177 affects Huawei's HiWallet application prior to version 5.0.3.100, representing a critical security flaw in the application's integrity verification mechanisms. This weakness stems from the absence of proper APK signature verification within the application's update and installation processes, creating a significant attack surface that malicious actors can exploit to compromise the application's authenticity and integrity. The vulnerability directly relates to CWE-319, which addresses the exposure of sensitive information through improper verification of cryptographic signatures, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1195.002 for content injection attacks.
The technical flaw manifests in the application's failure to validate the digital signatures of APK files during the installation or update process. This absence of signature verification means that any attacker with access to the application distribution channel can replace the legitimate APK with a maliciously modified version without detection. The vulnerability operates at the software supply chain level, where the application trust model is compromised, allowing for unauthorized modifications that can execute arbitrary code or redirect user data. Attackers can leverage this weakness to perform man-in-the-middle attacks, where they intercept legitimate updates and substitute them with malicious payloads that maintain the same application interface while executing unauthorized operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple application compromise, as successful exploitation enables complete hijacking of the HiWallet application's functionality. This compromise can lead to unauthorized financial transactions, data exfiltration, and potential credential theft from users who rely on the application for wallet services. The vulnerability affects users who download and install the application from official sources, as attackers can manipulate the update process even when the initial download appears legitimate. The attack vector typically involves intercepting network traffic between the application and its update servers, or compromising the distribution channel itself, making this a particularly dangerous vulnerability for mobile banking and wallet applications.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing robust signature verification mechanisms both at the application level and through proper network security controls. Organizations should immediately update to Huawei HiWallet version 5.0.3.100 or later, which includes proper APK signature validation. Network administrators should implement certificate pinning and monitor for suspicious update traffic patterns that could indicate tampering attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of following security best practices outlined in NIST SP 800-160 and ISO/IEC 27031, which emphasize the need for secure software development practices and integrity verification throughout the application lifecycle. Additionally, users should be educated about the risks of installing applications from untrusted sources and the importance of verifying application authenticity through official channels only.