CVE-2019-5288 in P30
Summary
by MITRE
P30 smart phones with versions earlier than ELLE-AL00B 9.1.0.193(C00E190R2P1) have an integer overflow vulnerability due to insufficient check on specific parameters. An attacker tricks the user into installing a malicious application, obtains the root permission and constructs specific parameters to the camera program to exploit this vulnerability. Successful exploit could cause the program to break down or allow for arbitrary code execution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/14/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-5288 represents a critical integer overflow flaw affecting Huawei P30 smartphones running firmware versions prior to ELLE-AL00B 9.1.0.193(C00E190R2P1). This vulnerability resides within the camera application's parameter validation mechanisms, creating a pathway for sophisticated attackers to escalate privileges and execute arbitrary code. The flaw stems from inadequate input sanitization where specific parameters passed to the camera program fail to undergo proper boundary checking, allowing malicious actors to manipulate integer values beyond their intended range.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a multi-stage attack pattern that begins with social engineering to trick users into installing malicious applications. Once installed, the malware leverages the integer overflow condition to gain root-level permissions on the device. The attacker constructs specific parameter values that trigger the overflow, causing the camera application to behave unpredictably and potentially leading to system crashes or complete compromise. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-190, which specifically addresses integer overflow conditions where an integer value exceeds the maximum representable value for its data type.
From an operational security perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant risk to mobile device users as it allows for complete system compromise through a relatively simple attack vector. The exploitation process requires minimal technical expertise beyond social engineering and basic application installation, making it particularly dangerous in real-world scenarios. The integer overflow condition creates a memory corruption vulnerability that can be leveraged for privilege escalation attacks, enabling attackers to bypass normal security restrictions and gain unauthorized access to system resources. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation" and demonstrates how mobile device vulnerabilities can be exploited to achieve root access.
The impact of successful exploitation extends beyond simple application crashes, as it enables attackers to execute arbitrary code with the highest system privileges available. This capability allows for complete system control, including the ability to install additional malware, access sensitive data, modify system configurations, and potentially establish persistent backdoors. The vulnerability affects not only the camera application but potentially other system components that rely on similar parameter validation mechanisms. Organizations and individuals should immediately update their devices to the patched firmware version, as the vulnerability provides attackers with an effective pathway to achieve full system compromise without requiring physical access or advanced technical skills beyond basic social engineering techniques.