CVE-2018-7911 in Smart Phone
Summary
by MITRE
Some Huawei smart phones ALP-AL00B 8.0.0.106(C00), 8.0.0.113(SP2C00), 8.0.0.113(SP3C00), 8.0.0.113(SP7C00), 8.0.0.118(C00), 8.0.0.120(SP2C00), 8.0.0.125(SP1C00), 8.0.0.125(SP3C00), 8.0.0.126(SP2C00), 8.0.0.126(SP5C00), 8.0.0.127(SP1C00), 8.0.0.128(SP2C00), ALP-AL00B-RSC 1.0.0.2, BLA-TL00B 8.0.0.113(SP7C01), 8.0.0.118(C01), 8.0.0.120(SP2C01), 8.0.0.125(SP1C01), 8.0.0.125(SP2C01), 8.0.0.125(SP3C01), 8.0.0.126(SP2C01), 8.0.0.126(SP5C01), 8.0.0.127(SP1C01), 8.0.0.128(SP2C01), 8.0.0.129(SP2C01), Charlotte-AL00A 8.1.0.105(SP7C00), 8.1.0.106(SP3C00), 8.1.0.107(SP5C00), 8.1.0.107(SP7C00), 8.1.0.108(SP3C00), 8.1.0.108(SP6C00), 8.1.0.109(SP2C00), Emily-AL00A 8.1.0.105(SP6C00), 8.1.0.106(SP2C00), 8.1.0.107(SP5C00), 8.1.0.107(SP7C00), 8.1.0.108(SP2C00), 8.1.0.108(SP6C00), 8.1.0.109(SP5C00) have a Factory Reset Protection (FRP) bypass security vulnerability. When re-configuring the mobile phone using the factory reset protection (FRP) function, an attacker can login the configuration flow by Gaode Map and can perform some operations to update the Google account. As a result, the FRP function is bypassed.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/30/2023
This vulnerability resides in Huawei smartphones running specific software versions where the Factory Reset Protection mechanism can be circumvented through manipulation of the device configuration process. The flaw allows unauthorized users to bypass the security controls designed to prevent unauthorized access after a factory reset, effectively undermining the device's built-in protection against theft and unauthorized use. The vulnerability specifically affects devices with software versions including but not limited to ALP-AL00B 8.0.0.106(C00), 8.0.0.113(SP2C00), and various other combinations across different device models and software revisions.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves exploiting the configuration flow during device re-initialization processes, particularly when using applications such as Gaode Map to establish device settings. An attacker can manipulate the account authentication sequence to inject or update Google account credentials during the reset procedure, thereby bypassing the FRP protection that normally requires valid account credentials to unlock the device after a factory reset. This represents a fundamental flaw in the device's authentication and authorization mechanisms during the provisioning phase, where proper validation checks are insufficient to prevent unauthorized account manipulation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple device security concerns to encompass broader privacy and data protection risks. When FRP protection is bypassed, attackers can gain unauthorized access to devices that have been reset, potentially accessing stored personal information, applications, and data that should remain protected. This vulnerability particularly affects users who rely on FRP as a primary security mechanism to prevent device theft and unauthorized usage, creating a significant risk for both individual users and enterprise environments where mobile devices contain sensitive corporate data. The vulnerability essentially renders the factory reset protection mechanism ineffective, undermining the security model that many users rely upon for device recovery and protection.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate software updates from Huawei to address the specific authentication flow issues within the FRP implementation. Users should ensure their devices are updated to the latest available firmware versions that contain patches for this vulnerability. Organizations should implement additional security measures including device encryption, remote wipe capabilities, and enhanced monitoring of device provisioning processes. Security professionals should also consider implementing network-based controls to detect and prevent unauthorized configuration activities during device setup processes. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-284 Access Control Issues and can be categorized under ATT&CK technique T1484.001 for Account Access Removal, representing a significant weakness in mobile device security frameworks that requires immediate attention through both vendor patches and user awareness initiatives.