CVE-2018-7991 in Mate 10
Summary
by MITRE
Huawei smartphones Mate10 with versions earlier before ALP-AL00B 8.0.0.110(C00) have a Factory Reset Protection (FRP) bypass vulnerability. The system does not sufficiently verify the permission, an attacker uses a data cable to connect the smartphone to the computer and then perform some specific operations. Successful exploit could allow the attacker bypass the FRP protection to access the system setting page.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/17/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-7991 represents a critical security flaw in Huawei Mate10 smartphones running firmware versions prior to ALP-AL00B 8.0.0.110(C00). This issue resides within the Factory Reset Protection mechanism, which serves as a fundamental security feature designed to prevent unauthorized access to devices following a factory reset. The flaw allows attackers to circumvent the intended security controls through relatively simple physical access methods, undermining the core purpose of FRP protection. The vulnerability specifically affects the permission verification processes during device initialization and recovery operations, creating a pathway for malicious actors to gain unauthorized access to system settings without proper authentication.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of user permissions during critical system operations. When an attacker connects a Huawei Mate10 device to a computer using a standard data cable, the system fails to properly enforce authentication checks that should occur during the connection process. This weakness allows for specific sequence operations that manipulate the device's boot process and system state, ultimately enabling access to the system settings interface where FRP protection should be active. The flaw operates at the firmware level, exploiting the trust relationship between the device and connected computers during data transfer operations. According to CWE classification, this vulnerability maps to CWE-284: Improper Access Control, specifically manifesting as insufficient permission verification during device recovery processes.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, creating significant risks for device owners and organizations. An attacker with physical access to a compromised device can bypass FRP protection to access sensitive system configurations, potentially leading to data exfiltration, malware installation, or further exploitation of the device. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires minimal technical expertise to exploit, relying primarily on physical access and basic cable connectivity rather than sophisticated attack vectors. This characteristic places the risk in the category of low-barrier attacks that can be executed by adversaries with limited resources. The vulnerability affects the device's core security model and undermines the trust model that users rely upon for device protection.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-7991 primarily focus on firmware updates and operational security measures. Huawei released patches addressing this vulnerability through the ALP-AL00B 8.0.0.110(C00) firmware update, which strengthens the permission verification mechanisms during device connection and recovery operations. Organizations should implement mandatory firmware update policies for all Huawei Mate10 devices and ensure regular security assessments to identify potentially affected systems. Additional protective measures include restricting physical access to devices, implementing secure data transfer protocols, and establishing clear policies for device handling and recovery procedures. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability relates to T1490: Inhibit System Recovery and T1070: Indicator Removal on Host, as it enables adversaries to bypass system protections that would normally prevent recovery operations. The vulnerability also intersects with T1021.002: Remote Services and T1543.003: Create or Modify System Process, as it allows unauthorized access to system processes through modified connection sequences. Device administrators should also consider implementing network-level controls to prevent unauthorized data transfer operations and establish monitoring procedures for unusual connection patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts.