CVE-2020-1807 in Mate 20
Summary
by MITRE
HUAWEI Mate 20 smartphones with versions earlier than 10.0.0.188(C00E74R3P8) have an improper authorization vulnerability. The software does not properly restrict certain user's modification of certain configuration file, successful exploit could allow the attacker to bypass app lock after a series of operation in ADB mode.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/03/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-1807 affects Huawei Mate 20 smartphones running firmware versions prior to 10.0.0.188(C00E74R3P8) and represents a critical authorization flaw that undermines the device's security model. This issue stems from inadequate access controls within the device's operating system, specifically concerning the modification of configuration files that govern application locking mechanisms. The vulnerability exploits a weakness in the Android-based system's permission model, where certain user operations in ADB (Android Debug Bridge) mode can manipulate system-level configuration parameters without proper authorization checks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows an attacker to bypass application lock mechanisms through a series of coordinated operations performed in ADB mode. This improper authorization stems from the device's failure to enforce proper access controls when users attempt to modify specific configuration files that control app locking behavior. The flaw exists in the underlying security framework that governs how system configurations are modified, creating a path for privilege escalation that ultimately compromises the device's application security features. This vulnerability is particularly concerning as it leverages legitimate debugging capabilities that are typically available to authorized developers and system administrators, but which can be exploited by malicious actors to gain unauthorized access to protected applications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access to applications, as it fundamentally undermines the device's security posture and user privacy. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could potentially access sensitive data stored within locked applications, including personal communications, financial information, and other confidential data. The attack vector through ADB mode is particularly dangerous because it requires minimal physical access to the device and can be performed remotely if the device has debugging enabled. This vulnerability directly relates to CWE-284, which addresses improper access control, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers exploit for privilege escalation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-1807 should prioritize immediate firmware updates to the affected Huawei Mate 20 devices, ensuring that users upgrade to version 10.0.0.188(C00E74R3P8) or later to address the authorization flaw. System administrators and security personnel should disable ADB debugging on production devices unless absolutely necessary for development or maintenance purposes, as this significantly reduces the attack surface. Additionally, organizations should implement comprehensive device management policies that enforce secure configuration settings and regularly audit device security configurations. Network-level controls should be deployed to monitor for suspicious ADB activity, and users should be educated about the risks associated with enabling debugging features on mobile devices. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper access control implementation in mobile operating systems and underscores the need for continuous security assessment of device firmware to prevent similar authorization bypass exploits from compromising user data and privacy.