CVE-2020-9147 in Huawei
Summary
by MITRE • 04/02/2021
A memory buffer error vulnerability exists in a component interface of Huawei Smartphone. Local attackers may exploit this vulnerability by carefully constructing attack scenarios to cause out-of-bounds read.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/07/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-9147 represents a critical memory buffer error within a component interface of Huawei smartphones, specifically manifesting as an out-of-bounds read condition that poses significant security risks to affected devices. This flaw exists within the smartphone's software architecture and affects the device's ability to properly validate memory access operations, creating potential entry points for malicious actors seeking to compromise device integrity.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from inadequate bounds checking within the affected component interface, allowing local attackers to construct specific attack scenarios that trigger memory access violations. When an attacker successfully exploits this condition, the system attempts to read memory locations beyond the allocated buffer boundaries, potentially exposing sensitive data or enabling further exploitation techniques. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-129 category of Improper Validation of Array Index, which specifically addresses issues where array indices are not properly validated before use.
From an operational perspective, the impact of CVE-2020-9147 extends beyond simple data exposure, as local attackers with physical access to affected devices can leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code or gain elevated privileges within the device's operating environment. The out-of-bounds read condition creates opportunities for information disclosure attacks where sensitive information stored in memory may be accessed without proper authorization, potentially including cryptographic keys, user credentials, or personal data. This vulnerability particularly concerns mobile device security as it enables attackers to compromise device confidentiality and integrity from within the device's local environment.
The exploitation of this vulnerability aligns with several ATT&CK framework techniques including privilege escalation and credential access, as attackers may use the memory corruption to gain deeper system access. The local nature of the attack means that physical access to the device is typically required, but this limitation does not mitigate the severity of the vulnerability, as it still represents a significant compromise to device security. Organizations and users should consider this vulnerability in their overall security posture, particularly in environments where physical security controls may be insufficient or where devices are subject to compromise through social engineering or other attack vectors.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-9147 should focus on implementing proper input validation and bounds checking within the affected component interfaces, along with regular firmware updates from Huawei to address the underlying memory management issues. Security teams should also consider deploying mobile device management solutions that can monitor for suspicious behavior patterns and ensure that affected devices receive timely security patches. Additionally, users should be educated about the importance of keeping their devices updated and avoiding unauthorized modifications to device firmware or software components that could exacerbate existing vulnerabilities.