CVE-2020-1786 in Mate 20 Pro
Summary
by MITRE
HUAWEI Mate 20 Pro smartphones versions earlier than 10.0.0.175(C00E69R3P8) have an improper authentication vulnerability. The software does not sufficiently validate the name of apk file in a special condition which could allow an attacker to forge a crafted application as a normal one. Successful exploit could allow the attacker to bypass digital balance function.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/20/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-1786 affects Huawei Mate 20 Pro smartphones running firmware versions prior to 10.0.0.175(C00E69R3P8). This represents a critical authentication flaw that undermines the device's security framework by allowing malicious actors to manipulate application installation processes through improper validation of apk file names. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation mechanisms within the Android-based operating system implementation, creating a pathway for attackers to exploit the system's trust model.
This authentication weakness falls under the CWE-287 category of improper authentication, specifically manifesting as inadequate validation of application metadata during installation processes. The flaw operates by allowing attackers to craft malicious applications that appear legitimate to the system's digital signature verification mechanisms. When an attacker constructs an apk file with carefully manipulated naming conventions, the device's installation process fails to properly verify the application's authenticity, potentially allowing the forged application to bypass security checks designed to prevent unauthorized software installation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple application forgery, as successful exploitation could enable attackers to circumvent the device's digital balance function, which likely serves as a critical security control for managing application permissions and system integrity. This capability could allow malicious actors to install unauthorized applications with elevated privileges, potentially leading to full device compromise, data exfiltration, or persistent backdoor access. The vulnerability essentially creates a false sense of security within the device's application installation ecosystem.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate firmware updates to version 10.0.0.175(C00E69R3P8) or later, as provided by Huawei. System administrators and users should implement comprehensive device management policies that enforce automatic security updates and monitor for unauthorized application installations. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing mobile device management solutions that can detect and prevent installation of suspicious applications. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation, indicating the potential for further attack vectors once initial access is gained through the forged application installation.