CVE-2021-22385 in Huawei
Summary
by MITRE • 08/10/2021
A component of the Huawei smartphone has a External Control of System or Configuration Setting vulnerability. Local attackers may exploit this vulnerability to cause Kernel Code Execution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/15/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-22385 affects a component within Huawei smartphones and represents a critical security flaw categorized under external control of system or configuration settings. This weakness resides in the device's kernel level implementation where unauthorized local attackers can manipulate system configurations to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges. The vulnerability stems from insufficient validation mechanisms that allow malicious actors to modify critical system parameters without proper authorization. Such flaws typically emerge when system components fail to properly authenticate or authorize configuration changes, creating pathways for privilege escalation attacks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the manipulation of kernel-level settings through local access points that should normally be restricted. Attackers exploiting this weakness can leverage the external control aspect to modify system parameters that govern kernel behavior, ultimately leading to code execution at the highest privilege level. This type of vulnerability directly maps to CWE-15 which defines external control of system or configuration settings as a fundamental weakness where external inputs control system parameters without proper validation. The kernel code execution capability represents a severe escalation from standard user privileges to system-level access, providing attackers with complete control over device operations.
From an operational standpoint, this vulnerability presents significant risks to Huawei smartphone users as it enables local attackers to gain root-level access without requiring remote network connectivity. The attack vector implies that physical access to the device is sufficient for exploitation, making it particularly concerning for devices that might be lost or stolen. The impact extends beyond simple data compromise to include complete device takeover, potential data exfiltration, and the ability to install persistent backdoors. This vulnerability undermines the fundamental security model of mobile operating systems by allowing unauthorized code execution that bypasses standard security controls and integrity checks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2021-22385 should focus on both immediate patching and operational security improvements. Huawei users should prioritize updating their devices to the latest firmware versions that address this specific vulnerability, as the manufacturer would have implemented kernel-level protections against external configuration manipulation. Security professionals should implement device monitoring to detect unauthorized configuration changes and establish robust access controls for system parameters. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which covers local privilege escalation through external control of system settings, making it essential to monitor for suspicious kernel-level modifications and maintain comprehensive device integrity verification processes. Organizations should also consider implementing mobile device management solutions that can enforce configuration policies and detect anomalous system behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts.