CVE-2018-7910 in Huawei
Summary
by MITRE
Some Huawei smartphones ALP-AL00B 8.0.0.118D(C00), ALP-TL00B 8.0.0.118D(C01), BLA-AL00B 8.0.0.118D(C00), BLA-L09C 8.0.0.127(C432), 8.0.0.128(C432), 8.0.0.137(C432), BLA-L29C 8.0.0.129(C432), 8.0.0.137(C432) have an authentication bypass vulnerability. When the attacker obtains the user's smartphone, the vulnerability can be used to replace the start-up program so that the attacker can obtain the information in the smartphone and achieve the purpose of controlling the smartphone.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/06/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-7910 represents a critical authentication bypass flaw affecting specific Huawei smartphone models including ALP-AL00B, ALP-TL00B, BLA-AL00B, BLA-L09C, BLA-L29C, and others running Android 8.0.0 with particular firmware versions. This vulnerability stems from inadequate authentication mechanisms within the device's boot process, creating a pathway for unauthorized access when physical possession of the device is obtained. The flaw specifically impacts the device's ability to properly verify the integrity of startup programs, allowing an attacker with physical access to manipulate the boot sequence and subsequently gain elevated privileges.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves weaknesses in the device's secure boot mechanism and trust chain validation processes. When an attacker possesses a target smartphone, they can exploit this flaw to replace legitimate startup programs with malicious alternatives, effectively subverting the device's normal boot process. This manipulation occurs at a low-level system component that should normally enforce strict authentication checks before allowing any boot program to execute. The vulnerability operates at the system firmware level, making it particularly dangerous as it can bypass traditional application-level security controls and operating system protections.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates a severe risk for users whose devices fall within the affected model range. The authentication bypass allows attackers to achieve full device control without requiring prior knowledge of user credentials or network access. Once the malicious startup program is installed, the attacker can access all stored data, monitor communications, install additional malware, and potentially use the device as a pivot point for further attacks on networked systems. This makes the vulnerability particularly concerning for enterprise users and individuals handling sensitive information, as it transforms physical possession into a complete compromise vector.
The impact of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which describes improper access control in software systems, and can be categorized under ATT&CK technique T1068 for local privilege escalation. Organizations should implement immediate mitigation strategies including firmware updates from Huawei, device encryption enforcement, and physical security measures to prevent unauthorized access. Users should be advised to avoid leaving devices unattended in insecure environments and to maintain current security patches. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure boot mechanisms and proper authentication protocols in mobile device security architecture, highlighting how weaknesses in fundamental system components can lead to complete device compromise.