CVE-2020-9258 in P30
Summary
by MITRE
HUAWEI P30 smartphone with versions earlier than 10.1.0.135(C00E135R2P11) have an improper input verification vulnerability. An attribution in a module is not set correctly and some verification is lacked. Attackers with local access can exploit this vulnerability by injecting malicious fragment. This may lead to user information leak.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/11/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-9258 affects Huawei P30 smartphones running firmware versions prior to 10.1.0.135(C00E135R2P11). This represents a critical security flaw in the device's input validation mechanisms that stems from improper verification processes within a specific module. The vulnerability manifests through inadequate attribution settings and missing verification checks that collectively create a pathway for malicious exploitation. The flaw exists within the smartphone's operating system architecture where input handling routines fail to properly validate or sanitize data inputs, creating potential attack vectors for malicious actors.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a module that lacks proper input verification controls, allowing attackers with local access to inject malicious fragments into the system. This type of flaw falls under CWE-20, which specifically addresses improper input validation, and represents a classic example of insufficient validation or sanitization of input data. The vulnerability's exploitation requires local access privileges, meaning an attacker must already have physical or administrative access to the device to carry out the attack. This local requirement reduces the attack surface compared to remote exploits but still represents a significant security risk for devices that may be compromised through physical access or social engineering.
The operational impact of CVE-2020-9258 extends beyond simple data leakage, as it potentially exposes sensitive user information stored on the device. When malicious fragments are injected through the vulnerable module, they can trigger unauthorized data access or extraction processes that bypass normal security controls. The vulnerability's potential for user information leak aligns with ATT&CK technique T1005, which focuses on data from local system sources, and demonstrates how improper input validation can enable information disclosure attacks. This type of vulnerability is particularly concerning for mobile devices where users store personal information, financial data, and sensitive communications that could be accessed through such exploitation methods.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily involve updating the device firmware to version 10.1.0.135(C00E135R2P11) or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the improper input verification issues. System administrators and users should prioritize applying these updates immediately to protect against exploitation attempts. Additionally, implementing proper input sanitization controls and validation mechanisms within the affected modules would provide defense-in-depth measures. The vulnerability highlights the importance of comprehensive input validation across all system components, particularly in mobile operating systems where local access privileges can be leveraged for malicious purposes. Organizations should also consider implementing device management policies that enforce regular security updates and monitor for potential exploitation attempts through local access points.