CVE-2020-1787 in Mate 20
Summary
by MITRE
HUAWEI Mate 20 smartphones versions earlier than 9.1.0.139(C00E133R3P1) have an improper authentication vulnerability. The system has a logic error under certain scenario, successful exploit could allow the attacker who gains the privilege of guest user to access to the host user's desktop in an instant, without unlocking the screen lock of the host user.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/20/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-1787 represents a critical authentication flaw in Huawei Mate 20 smartphones running firmware versions prior to 9.1.0.139(C00E133R3P1). This issue stems from a logic error within the system's user authentication mechanism that creates an unauthorized access pathway between guest and host user accounts. The flaw specifically manifests when a guest user attempts to access the device, potentially bypassing the standard screen lock requirements that should protect the host user's session.
This authentication bypass vulnerability falls under the CWE-287 category of Improper Authentication, where the system fails to properly verify the identity of users attempting to access protected resources. The technical implementation error allows for privilege escalation from guest user level to host user level without the required authentication factors. The vulnerability exploits the system's failure to properly enforce session isolation between different user accounts, creating a scenario where unauthorized access can occur instantaneously upon guest user login.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it fundamentally undermines the device's security model and user privacy protection mechanisms. An attacker who gains access to a guest user account can immediately access the host user's desktop environment, potentially exposing sensitive personal information, financial data, and confidential communications. This creates a significant risk for users who may have multiple accounts on their device or who share their devices with others, as the security boundary between guest and host accounts becomes effectively meaningless.
The attack surface for this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access to include potential data exfiltration, identity theft, and further exploitation of the compromised device. The flaw enables an attacker to bypass the standard screen lock protection mechanisms that are fundamental to mobile device security. This represents a critical failure in the device's security architecture where the principle of least privilege is violated, allowing unauthorized users to gain full access to another user's session without proper authentication.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate firmware updates to the affected Huawei Mate 20 devices, specifically upgrading to version 9.1.0.139(C00E133R3P1) or later. Users should also implement additional security measures such as enabling strong screen locks, regularly updating their device firmware, and avoiding the use of guest user accounts when sensitive data is present. Security administrators should consider implementing device management policies that enforce mandatory firmware updates and monitor for unauthorized access attempts on affected devices. Organizations using these devices should also conduct security assessments to identify any potential exploitation of this vulnerability and establish incident response procedures for potential data breaches. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper session management and user isolation in mobile security architectures, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1548.003 for Abuse of Authentication System and T1078.004 for Valid Accounts.