CVE-2018-7928 in MyCloud APP
Summary
by MITRE
There is a security vulnerability which could lead to Factory Reset Protection (FRP) bypass in the MyCloud APP with the versions before 8.1.2.303 installed on some Huawei smart phones. When re-configuring the mobile phone using the FRP function, an attacker can replace the old account with a new one through special steps by exploit this vulnerability. As a result, the FRP function is bypassed.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/23/2023
This vulnerability represents a critical security flaw in Huawei's MyCloud application that undermines the Factory Reset Protection mechanism designed to prevent unauthorized device access. The vulnerability exists in versions prior to 8.1.2.303 and specifically targets the account replacement process during mobile phone reconfiguration. The flaw allows attackers to manipulate the FRP bypass procedure by substituting the existing account with a new one through carefully orchestrated exploitation steps. This represents a fundamental failure in the application's authentication and account management protocols, creating a pathway for malicious actors to circumvent device security measures.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and account transition controls within the MyCloud application's FRP handling logic. When users attempt to reconfigure their devices through the FRP function, the application fails to properly verify account ownership or authenticate the account replacement process. This weakness enables attackers to exploit the reconfiguration workflow and assert control over the device's account binding, effectively neutralizing the FRP protection mechanism. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and leverages the trust model between the mobile device and the cloud service, allowing unauthorized account takeover during legitimate device reconfiguration processes.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple account replacement to encompass complete device security compromise. Once bypassed, the FRP mechanism loses its effectiveness as a deterrent against device theft or unauthorized access, particularly in scenarios where devices are lost or stolen. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to gain persistent access to devices without proper authorization, potentially accessing sensitive data, personal information, and communication records stored on the device. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal technical expertise and can be executed through standard mobile device reconfiguration workflows, making it particularly dangerous in real-world scenarios where users may unknowingly trigger the exploit during normal device maintenance or recovery procedures.
Security implications of this vulnerability align with CWE-287, which addresses improper authentication issues in software systems. The flaw demonstrates a classic case of weak account management and insufficient session control during device reconfiguration processes. From an attack perspective, this vulnerability maps to several ATT&CK techniques including T1484.001 (Account Access Removal) and T1531 (Account Access Removal) where adversaries can manipulate legitimate account access mechanisms to achieve unauthorized control. The vulnerability also relates to T1566 (Phishing) as attackers may exploit the normal reconfiguration process to deceive users into inadvertently executing malicious account replacement procedures.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate application updates to version 8.1.2.303 or later, which contain the necessary patches to address the account replacement vulnerability. Organizations should implement comprehensive device management policies that require regular security updates and monitor for unauthorized account changes during device reconfiguration processes. Users should be educated about the risks of performing device reconfiguration procedures and the importance of verifying account ownership before proceeding with any account replacement operations. Additionally, network-level monitoring should be implemented to detect suspicious account transition patterns and unusual reconfiguration activities that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date security controls and proper account management procedures in mobile device ecosystems.