CVE-2020-9149 in Huawei
Summary
by MITRE • 04/02/2021
An application error verification vulnerability exists in a component interface of Huawei Smartphone. Local attackers can exploit this vulnerability to modify and delete user SMS messages.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/07/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-9149 represents a critical application error verification flaw within the component interface of Huawei smartphones, specifically affecting the handling of Short Message Service (SMS) data. This issue resides in the mobile operating system's message management subsystem where proper input validation and error handling mechanisms have been inadequately implemented. The vulnerability stems from insufficient sanitization of user inputs and lack of proper access controls within the SMS processing interface, creating a pathway for unauthorized modification and deletion of stored messages. According to CWE classification, this vulnerability maps to CWE-20 Improper Input Validation, as the system fails to properly validate and sanitize user-provided data before processing it within the SMS component.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability allows local attackers with physical access to the device or those who have already compromised the system to manipulate the SMS database directly through the flawed interface component. Attackers can leverage this weakness to modify existing SMS messages, delete critical communications, or potentially inject malicious content into the message store. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple data manipulation as it compromises the integrity and confidentiality of user communications, which may contain sensitive personal, financial, or business information. The flaw specifically affects the interface layer that handles SMS operations, bypassing normal access controls and authentication mechanisms that should protect user data from unauthorized modification.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to user privacy and data integrity, particularly in environments where smartphones contain sensitive corporate or personal information. The local nature of the attack means that physical access to the device is required, but this access vector remains concerning as it can be achieved through various means including social engineering, device theft, or exploitation of other vulnerabilities that grant initial access. The impact is particularly severe because SMS messages often contain two-factor authentication codes, financial transaction confirmations, and other time-sensitive communications that attackers can exploit for further compromise. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001 Phishing, as it can be leveraged in conjunction with social engineering attacks to gain persistent access to user communications.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-9149 should include immediate firmware updates from Huawei to address the underlying interface validation issues and implement proper input sanitization mechanisms. System administrators and users should ensure that all devices are updated to the latest security patches released by Huawei, as these updates typically include enhanced validation routines and access controls. Additionally, organizations should implement network monitoring to detect unusual patterns in SMS activity that might indicate exploitation attempts, and consider deploying mobile device management solutions that can enforce security policies and monitor for unauthorized modifications. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of secure coding practices and thorough security testing of interface components, particularly those handling sensitive user data. Regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar validation flaws in other system components, as this vulnerability demonstrates the critical need for robust error handling and input validation in mobile operating system interfaces.