CVE-2017-8203 in Nova 2
Summary
by MITRE
The Bastet Driver of Nova 2 Plus,Nova 2 Huawei smart phones with software of Versions earlier than BAC-AL00C00B173,Versions earlier than PIC-AL00C00B173 has a use after free (UAF) vulnerability. An attacker can convince a user to install a malicious application which has a high privilege to exploit this vulnerability, Successful exploitation may cause arbitrary code execution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/16/2023
The CVE-2017-8203 vulnerability represents a critical use after free flaw in the Bastet driver component of Huawei Nova 2 Plus and Nova 2 smartphones. This vulnerability exists within the kernel-level driver responsible for handling specific hardware functions, creating a potential attack surface that could be exploited by malicious actors. The affected devices operate with firmware versions prior to BAC-AL00C00B173 and PIC-AL00C00B173, indicating that Huawei had already addressed this issue in subsequent software releases. The vulnerability's classification as a use after free error means that memory allocated to a process is freed but the system continues to reference that memory location, creating opportunities for memory corruption attacks.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an attacker to convince a user to install a malicious application with elevated privileges, typically achieved through social engineering or supply chain attacks. Once installed, the malicious application can trigger the UAF condition within the Bastet driver, allowing the attacker to manipulate memory contents and potentially execute arbitrary code with kernel-level privileges. This privilege escalation capability stems from the driver's high-privilege execution context and the nature of the memory corruption that occurs when freed memory is accessed after deallocation. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with the ability to gain complete control over the affected device's operating system kernel.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-8203 is severe and multifaceted, particularly given the widespread deployment of affected Huawei smartphone models in enterprise and consumer environments. Successful exploitation could enable attackers to install persistent backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, modify system configurations, or establish persistent access to compromised devices. The vulnerability's potential for privilege escalation means that attackers could bypass standard user-level security controls and gain unrestricted access to device functionality. Organizations using these devices face significant risks including data breaches, device compromise, and potential lateral movement within corporate networks where these smartphones might be used for authentication or access control purposes.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-416, which specifically addresses use after free conditions in software development. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this issue under privilege escalation techniques, specifically targeting kernel-level privilege escalation methods. Mitigation strategies should include immediate firmware updates from Huawei to address the identified vulnerability, implementation of application whitelisting policies to prevent installation of malicious applications, and enhanced security monitoring for suspicious application behavior. Network-level defenses should include inspection of application installation activities and monitoring for potential exploitation attempts. Device administrators should also consider implementing mobile device management solutions that can enforce security policies and prevent installation of untrusted applications. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of keeping embedded systems and mobile device firmware updated, as these components often represent persistent attack vectors that can be exploited across large user bases.