CVE-2017-8214 in Honor 8
Summary
by MITRE
Honor 8,Honor V8,Honor 9,Honor V9,Nova 2,Nova 2 Plus,P9,P10 Plus,Toronto Huawei smart phones with software of versions earlier than FRD-AL00C00B391, versions earlier than FRD-DL00C00B391, versions earlier than KNT-AL10C00B391, versions earlier than KNT-AL20C00B391, versions earlier than KNT-UL10C00B391, versions earlier than KNT-TL10C00B391, versions earlier than Stanford-AL00C00B175, versions earlier than Stanford-AL10C00B175, versions earlier than Stanford-TL00C01B175, versions earlier than Duke-AL20C00B191, versions earlier than Duke-TL30C01B191, versions earlier than Picasso-AL00C00B162, versions earlier than Picasso-TL00C01B162 , versions earlier than Barca-AL00C00B162, versions earlier than Barca-TL00C00B162, versions earlier than EVA-AL10C00B396SP03, versions earlier than EVA-CL00C92B396, versions earlier than EVA-DL00C17B396, versions earlier than EVA-TL00C01B396 , versions earlier than Vicky-AL00AC00B172, versions earlier than Toronto-AL00AC00B191, versions earlier than Toronto-TL10C01B191 have an unlock code verification bypassing vulnerability. An attacker with the root privilege of a mobile can exploit this vulnerability to bypass the unlock code verification and unlock the mobile phone bootloader.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/16/2023
This vulnerability represents a critical security flaw in various huawei smartphone models including honor 8, honor v8, honor 9, and multiple other devices running specific software versions. The issue manifests as an unlock code verification bypass that allows attackers with root privileges to circumvent the mobile phone bootloader protection mechanisms. This weakness fundamentally undermines the device's security architecture by enabling unauthorized access to the bootloader, which serves as the primary gatekeeper for the device's firmware and system integrity. The vulnerability affects a wide range of hardware platforms including FRD, KNT, Stanford, Duke, Picasso, Barca, EVA, Vicky, and Toronto series devices, indicating a systemic issue within the bootloader implementation across multiple product lines.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of the unlock code verification process, which is designed to prevent unauthorized modification of the device's bootloader. When an attacker possesses root privileges on the mobile device, they can leverage this flaw to bypass the authentication mechanisms that typically require a valid unlock code. This bypass allows the attacker to gain access to the bootloader, which provides low-level control over the device's operating system and firmware components. The bootloader is a critical component in the device's security chain as it controls the loading and execution of the operating system, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous for maintaining device integrity and preventing unauthorized modifications.
From an operational standpoint, this vulnerability presents significant risks to both individual users and enterprise environments. The ability to bypass unlock code verification means that attackers can potentially install malicious firmware, modify system files, or gain persistent access to the device without detection. This could enable a range of malicious activities including data exfiltration, installation of backdoors, or the deployment of malware that operates at a system level. The impact extends beyond simple device compromise as it undermines the entire security model of the device, potentially allowing for the exploitation of other vulnerabilities that depend on bootloader access for successful exploitation. Organizations relying on these devices for sensitive operations face heightened risks of security breaches and data loss.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control in software systems, and relates to ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation." The root privilege requirement indicates that this vulnerability may be chained with other exploits that gain initial access to the device, making it part of a broader exploitation chain. Device manufacturers should implement comprehensive firmware security measures including secure boot processes, integrity checks, and robust authentication mechanisms to prevent such bypass scenarios. The affected software versions represent a clear indication that this issue was not properly addressed in earlier releases, suggesting a need for improved security testing and validation processes during the software development lifecycle.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate firmware updates provided by huawei to address the specific bootloader verification bypass. Users should ensure their devices are updated to the latest security patches available from the manufacturer, particularly those versions that specifically address the unlock code verification mechanisms. Network administrators should monitor for devices running vulnerable firmware versions and implement device management policies that require regular security updates. Additionally, security professionals should consider implementing device integrity monitoring solutions that can detect unauthorized bootloader modifications. The vulnerability underscores the importance of maintaining up-to-date firmware and the necessity of robust security testing for mobile device components, particularly those related to bootloader and firmware security. Organizations should also consider device forensics and incident response procedures that account for potential bootloader-level compromises.