CVE-2020-1797 in Mate 20
Summary
by MITRE
HUAWEI Mate 20 smartphones with versions earlier than 10.0.0.185(C00E74R3P8) have an improper authorization vulnerability. The system does not properly restrict certain operation in ADB mode, successful exploit could allow certain user break the limit of digital balance function.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/20/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-1797 affects Huawei Mate 20 smartphones running firmware versions prior to 10.0.0.185(C00E74R3P8). This represents a critical security flaw in the Android Debug Bridge (ADB) implementation that undermines the device's authorization mechanisms. The issue stems from insufficient access controls within the ADB mode, creating a pathway for unauthorized operations that bypass normal security boundaries. The vulnerability specifically targets the digital balance function, which is a core component of the device's financial transaction processing capabilities.
This improper authorization vulnerability falls under the CWE-285 category of Improper Authorization, where the system fails to properly verify that an operation is authorized for the requesting entity. The flaw exists in the ADB subsystem where certain operations that should be restricted are not adequately protected, allowing malicious actors to exploit the weakness. The ADB mode is designed for legitimate debugging purposes but when improperly configured or secured, it becomes a vector for privilege escalation. The vulnerability demonstrates a failure in the principle of least privilege, where operations that should be restricted are accessible to unauthorized users.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it allows a malicious user to bypass the digital balance function limits that are typically enforced by the device's security architecture. This could enable unauthorized financial transactions or manipulation of balance-related operations that are normally protected. Attackers could exploit this weakness to perform operations that would normally be restricted, potentially leading to financial loss or unauthorized access to sensitive transaction data. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects a mobile device's core financial security mechanisms, making it a prime target for financial fraud and unauthorized transactions.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate firmware updates to the affected Huawei Mate 20 devices to patch the authorization flaw in the ADB implementation. Organizations should also implement strict ADB access controls and disable ADB mode when not required for legitimate debugging purposes. Network monitoring should be enhanced to detect unauthorized ADB connections and suspicious transaction patterns. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.005 for command and scripting interpreter usage, where attackers could leverage ADB access to execute unauthorized commands. Security teams should conduct regular audits of ADB configurations and implement device management policies that restrict unauthorized access to debugging interfaces. Additionally, users should be educated about the risks of enabling ADB mode and the importance of keeping firmware updated to protect against such exploitation vectors.