CVE-2020-1809 in Mate 10
Summary
by MITRE
HUAWEI Mate 10 smartphones with versions earlier than 10.0.0.143(C00E143R2P4) have an information disclosure vulnerability. The attacker could wake up voice assistant then do a series of crafted voice operation, successful exploit could allow the attacker read certain files without unlock the phone leading to information disclosure.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/20/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-1809 represents a critical information disclosure flaw affecting HUAWEI Mate 10 smartphones running firmware versions prior to 10.0.0.143(C00E143R2P4). This security weakness resides within the device's voice assistant functionality and demonstrates a significant bypass mechanism that undermines the device's security model. The vulnerability specifically targets the voice activation and command processing system, creating an attack surface that allows unauthorized access to device data without requiring physical device unlock. The flaw operates through a sophisticated exploitation chain that leverages the voice assistant's wake-up mechanisms and subsequent processing capabilities to execute crafted voice commands that can access sensitive information.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and access control mechanisms within the voice assistant subsystem. When the voice assistant is activated through legitimate wake-up commands, the system processes subsequent voice inputs without adequate authentication checks or privilege verification. This design flaw allows attackers to craft specific voice commands that can traverse the normal security boundaries of the device's operating environment. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-200, Information Exposure, and demonstrates characteristics consistent with CWE-352, Cross-Site Request Forgery, though adapted to the voice interface context. The attack vector specifically targets the device's voice processing pipeline where legitimate voice commands are interpreted and executed without proper authorization verification.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure to encompass potential data breaches and privacy violations. An attacker capable of exploiting this vulnerability can access files and data that would normally require device unlock or authentication, effectively creating an unauthorized access channel that bypasses the device's primary security controls. The attack scenario involves waking the voice assistant through normal wake-up commands and then executing a sequence of crafted voice operations that can read specific files from the device's storage. This capability directly violates the principle of least privilege and undermines the device's trust model. The vulnerability affects devices running earlier firmware versions where security patches and improved access controls were not yet implemented, making it particularly concerning for users who have not updated their devices.
Security mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate firmware updates to the affected HUAWEI Mate 10 devices, specifically targeting the 10.0.0.143(C00E143R2P4) version or later. Users should disable voice assistant functionality when not actively needed and consider implementing additional security measures such as encrypted storage and regular security audits. The vulnerability's exploitation requires specific conditions including voice assistant activation and the ability to execute crafted voice commands, but once triggered, it provides unauthorized access to device information. Organizations should implement monitoring for unusual voice assistant usage patterns and ensure all mobile devices are maintained with current security patches. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1531, Credential Access, and T1005, Data from Local System, demonstrating how voice-based attack vectors can be leveraged to achieve unauthorized system access. The vulnerability also highlights the need for comprehensive security testing of voice interfaces and the importance of implementing proper access controls even in seemingly benign device features.