CVE-2020-9113 in Mate 20
Summary
by MITRE • 10/20/2020
HUAWEI Mate 20 versions earlier than 10.0.0.188(C00E74R3P8) have a buffer overflow vulnerability in the Bluetooth module. Due to insufficient input validation, an unauthenticated attacker may craft Bluetooth messages after successful paring, causing buffer overflow. Successful exploit may cause code execution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/21/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-9113 affects Huawei Mate 20 smartphones running firmware versions prior to 10.0.0.188(C00E74R3P8) and represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the Bluetooth subsystem. This weakness resides in the Bluetooth module's insufficient input validation mechanisms, creating a pathway for malicious exploitation that could lead to arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability specifically manifests when an unauthenticated attacker crafts specially crafted Bluetooth messages following successful device pairing, exploiting the lack of proper bounds checking in the Bluetooth protocol implementation.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient validation allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations. The flaw occurs within the Bluetooth protocol stack processing, where incoming messages are not properly validated for length or content before being copied into fixed-size buffers. This allows an attacker to exceed buffer boundaries and potentially overwrite critical program execution data such as return addresses or function pointers, enabling code execution. The attack vector requires only successful Bluetooth pairing, making it particularly concerning as it can be initiated remotely without physical access or additional authentication requirements.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it provides a potential entry point for complete system compromise. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could gain arbitrary code execution privileges on the affected device, potentially leading to full system control, data exfiltration, or persistent backdoor installation. The vulnerability's exploitation does not require elevated privileges, making it particularly dangerous in mobile environments where users may unknowingly pair with malicious devices. The implications are significant for enterprise environments where mobile devices handle sensitive corporate data and for personal users who may be targeted through social engineering or proximity attacks.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate firmware updates to the patched versions of Huawei Mate 20 devices, specifically version 10.0.0.188(C00E74R3P8) or later, which address the buffer overflow through proper input validation and bounds checking mechanisms. Network administrators should implement Bluetooth disable policies in enterprise environments where the risk is elevated, particularly in high-security areas or when devices are frequently in proximity to potentially malicious actors. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices in mobile operating system components and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, as successful exploitation would likely involve executing malicious payloads through the compromised Bluetooth subsystem. Organizations should also consider implementing Bluetooth monitoring solutions to detect anomalous pairing behavior or unusual message patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts, while maintaining regular security assessments of mobile device firmware to identify similar vulnerabilities across their device fleet.