CVE-2021-22334 in Smart Phone
Summary
by MITRE • 06/04/2021
There is an Improper Access Control vulnerability in Huawei Smartphone. Successful exploitation of this vulnerability may cause app redirections.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/07/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-22334 represents a critical improper access control flaw within Huawei smartphone implementations that could enable unauthorized redirection of applications. This weakness resides in the mobile operating system's permission handling mechanisms, specifically affecting how the device manages application transitions and navigation flows. The vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of access controls that govern how applications can interact with system-level components and redirect users to arbitrary destinations. Attackers can exploit this flaw to manipulate application behavior and potentially redirect users to malicious websites or applications without proper authorization. The security implications extend beyond simple redirection as they represent a fundamental breakdown in the smartphone's access control model, which is designed to prevent unauthorized system interactions and maintain user security boundaries. This type of vulnerability directly impacts the principle of least privilege and can be categorized under CWE-284, which addresses improper access control issues in software systems. The flaw manifests in the smartphone's application framework where proper authentication and authorization checks are bypassed, allowing malicious actors to manipulate application flow control mechanisms. Such vulnerabilities are particularly dangerous in mobile environments where users trust the device to maintain secure application boundaries and prevent unauthorized access to sensitive data or system functions.
The technical exploitation of CVE-2021-22334 occurs through manipulation of the smartphone's application redirection protocols, where attackers can craft malicious payloads that exploit the weak access control checks. The vulnerability allows for unauthorized modification of application navigation flows, potentially redirecting users to phishing sites or malware distribution points. This exploitation technique leverages the device's insufficient validation of application requests and can be accomplished through various attack vectors including malicious applications, compromised system components, or social engineering approaches that trick users into initiating unauthorized redirects. The attack surface includes the smartphone's application layer where access control decisions are made, and the underlying system services that handle application transitions. Security researchers have identified that this vulnerability exists in Huawei's implementation of Android-based operating systems where the access control mechanisms have been inadequately hardened against manipulation. The flaw demonstrates a failure in proper input validation and access control enforcement, creating opportunities for privilege escalation and unauthorized system interactions. The exploitation process typically requires minimal user interaction beyond initial access to the vulnerable device, making it particularly concerning for enterprise and personal security. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which involves the use of local system exploitation to gain elevated privileges and bypass access controls, and T1059 which covers the execution of malicious code through application manipulation.
The operational impact of CVE-2021-22334 extends beyond immediate redirection concerns to encompass broader security implications for Huawei smartphone users and organizations relying on these devices. The vulnerability creates persistent risks for data integrity and user privacy as malicious actors can redirect users to unauthorized destinations without their knowledge or consent. This threat is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where Huawei smartphones may be used for sensitive business applications and data access. The vulnerability can be exploited to create sophisticated phishing campaigns that leverage the device's legitimate redirection capabilities to mask malicious intent. Organizations may experience unauthorized access to corporate applications, data exfiltration attempts, and potential compromise of business-critical systems through the redirection of user sessions. The impact on user trust and brand reputation is significant as users may lose confidence in the security of their devices and the applications they run. Security professionals have noted that this vulnerability can be combined with other exploitation techniques to create more sophisticated attack chains, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The weakness in access control enforcement means that once an attacker gains initial access, they can manipulate application behavior to maintain persistence and extend their attack surface. This vulnerability affects the fundamental security model of the device and requires immediate attention from both individual users and enterprise security teams. The remediation process involves system-level updates and patches that address the underlying access control implementation, but users must remain vigilant about the security of their applications and device configurations. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of proper security testing and validation of access control mechanisms in mobile operating systems, particularly those that handle sensitive user interactions and application transitions.