CVE-2017-8202 in Prague-AL00A
Summary
by MITRE
The CameraISP driver of some Huawei smart phones with software of versions earlier than Prague-AL00AC00B205,versions earlier than Prague-AL00BC00B205,versions earlier than Prague-AL00CC00B205,versions earlier than Prague-TL00AC01B205,versions earlier than Prague-TL10AC01B205 has a buffer overflow vulnerability due to the lack of parameter validation. An attacker tricks a user into installing a malicious APP, the APP can send a specific parameter to the CameraISP driver of the smart phone, causing system reboot.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/16/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-8202 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the CameraISP driver component of various Huawei smartphone models. This weakness stems from insufficient parameter validation mechanisms within the driver's code structure, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by malicious actors. The affected devices operate on software versions prior to specific build numbers including Prague-AL00AC00B205, Prague-AL00BC00B205, Prague-AL00CC00B205, Prague-TL00AC01B205, and Prague-TL10AC01B205, indicating a widespread issue across multiple device variants and firmware releases. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it exists at the kernel level driver interface, where malicious code can directly interact with critical system components without proper boundary checks.
The technical exploitation of this buffer overflow occurs through a carefully crafted malicious application that can be installed on the target device. When the malicious application executes, it sends specifically formatted parameters to the vulnerable CameraISP driver through the device's camera subsystem interface. This parameter injection bypasses normal input validation procedures and overflows the allocated buffer space within the driver's memory management structure. The overflow condition causes the driver to overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially corrupting critical system data structures or executing arbitrary code within the privileged driver context. The specific nature of the overflow leads to system instability and ultimately results in device reboot, though the attack could potentially be extended to achieve more severe consequences including privilege escalation or persistent system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple device disruption to represent a significant security risk for Huawei smartphone users. The attack vector requires user interaction through application installation, making it a form of social engineering attack that can be particularly effective in environments where users may not be security-aware. Once exploited, the vulnerability can cause immediate system disruption through forced reboots, potentially leading to data loss or service interruption. The nature of the CameraISP driver interface means that successful exploitation can occur even when users are not actively using the camera functionality, making the attack stealthy and potentially persistent. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and represents a classic example of insufficient input validation that allows attackers to manipulate program execution flow through memory corruption.
The security implications of CVE-2017-8202 extend to potential privilege escalation scenarios where malicious actors could leverage the buffer overflow to gain elevated system privileges. The CameraISP driver typically operates with high privileges due to its role in handling camera hardware directly, making successful exploitation potentially dangerous for system integrity. Attackers could theoretically use this vulnerability to install persistent malware, access sensitive user data, or modify system configurations that affect device security. The vulnerability also demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices in driver development, as proper parameter validation and memory boundary checking should have prevented the overflow condition. Organizations should consider implementing runtime protection mechanisms and monitoring for anomalous driver behavior, as this vulnerability could serve as a foothold for more sophisticated attacks within the device's security architecture. The issue highlights the need for comprehensive security testing of kernel-level components and proper input sanitization practices that align with industry standards such as those recommended by the Open Web Application Security Project and NIST cybersecurity guidelines.