CVE-2021-22416 in HarmonyOS
Summary
by MITRE • 08/03/2021
A component of the HarmonyOS has a Data Processing Errors vulnerability. Local attackers may exploit this vulnerability to cause Kernel Code Execution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/07/2021
The CVE-2021-22416 vulnerability represents a critical data processing error within the HarmonyOS operating system component that enables local attackers to escalate privileges and achieve kernel code execution. This vulnerability exists within the foundational data processing mechanisms of the HarmonyOS kernel, creating a pathway for malicious actors with local system access to bypass security controls and execute arbitrary code at the kernel level. The flaw stems from insufficient validation and sanitization of input data within the operating system's core processing functions, allowing crafted malicious inputs to trigger unintended behavior in the kernel execution environment.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-129, which describes improper validation of array indices, and CWE-787, which addresses out-of-bounds write errors. Attackers exploiting this weakness can manipulate data processing flows to overwrite critical kernel memory regions or manipulate execution control structures, ultimately gaining unauthorized code execution privileges. The vulnerability manifests when the HarmonyOS kernel processes specific data inputs without adequate bounds checking or input validation, creating opportunities for attackers to inject malicious code sequences that execute with kernel-level privileges. This represents a severe privilege escalation vector that transforms local user access into full system compromise.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to devices running HarmonyOS, particularly those in enterprise or government environments where system integrity is paramount. The local exploitation requirement means that attackers must first gain user-level access to the device, but the subsequent kernel execution capability allows for complete system takeover including data exfiltration, persistence mechanism installation, and further network reconnaissance. The impact extends beyond individual device compromise to potential supply chain vulnerabilities, as compromised devices could serve as entry points for broader network infiltration. Organizations deploying HarmonyOS systems face the risk of persistent threats that can remain undetected while maintaining full administrative control over affected devices.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2021-22416 should prioritize immediate patch deployment from Huawei, as the vulnerability requires core kernel modifications to address the underlying data processing errors. System administrators should implement strict access controls and monitor for unusual kernel activity patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Network segmentation and endpoint detection systems should be enhanced to detect potential exploitation attempts, while regular security audits should verify that all HarmonyOS components are updated to patched versions. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of secure coding practices and comprehensive input validation in kernel-level software development, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1068 which covers local privilege escalation and T1543 which addresses persistence mechanisms. Organizations should also consider implementing behavioral monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous kernel execution patterns indicative of exploitation attempts, as the vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple code execution to potential long-term system compromise through persistence mechanisms.