CVE-2021-37048 in Huawei
Summary
by MITRE • 12/07/2021
There is a Improper Input Validation vulnerability in Huawei Smartphone.Successful exploitation of this vulnerability may lead to fake visitors to control PC,play a video,etc.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/10/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-37048 represents a critical improper input validation flaw discovered in Huawei smartphone devices. This weakness falls under the broader category of software security vulnerabilities that can be exploited to compromise device integrity and user privacy. The vulnerability stems from insufficient validation mechanisms within the smartphone's operating system or applications, creating potential entry points for malicious actors to manipulate system behavior through crafted inputs.
The technical nature of this vulnerability allows for manipulation of device functions through what appears to be legitimate user interactions or system communications. The flaw specifically affects Huawei smartphone models and manifests when the device processes certain inputs or commands that should be properly validated before execution. This improper validation creates opportunities for attackers to inject malicious payloads or commands that can alter normal device operation. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-20, which addresses improper input validation as a fundamental security weakness that can lead to various downstream exploits including command injection, privilege escalation, and arbitrary code execution.
From an operational perspective, successful exploitation of this vulnerability could enable attackers to gain unauthorized control over affected devices, potentially allowing them to execute arbitrary code, access sensitive data, or manipulate device functions. The reported capabilities include the ability to control PC systems, play videos, and potentially establish persistent access to the compromised device. This represents a significant security risk for users who may unknowingly trigger the vulnerability through seemingly benign interactions with their smartphones. The impact extends beyond individual device compromise to potentially enable broader network infiltration or data exfiltration activities that could affect enterprise environments or personal privacy.
The attack surface for this vulnerability involves various communication channels and application interfaces within the smartphone ecosystem, including wireless protocols, application programming interfaces, and system services that process user inputs. Attackers could potentially exploit this weakness through phishing campaigns, malicious applications, or compromised websites that trigger the validation bypass. The vulnerability's persistence across multiple Huawei smartphone models indicates a systemic issue within the device architecture that requires comprehensive patching and security updates to remediate effectively.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate software updates from Huawei to address the validation flaws in affected device models. Organizations and individuals should implement network monitoring to detect anomalous behavior patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's characteristics align with attack patterns described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly in the execution and privilege escalation domains where improper input validation can enable attackers to execute malicious code with elevated privileges. Security teams should also consider implementing device management policies that enforce regular security updates and monitor for suspicious network traffic patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, user education regarding the risks of downloading applications from untrusted sources and avoiding suspicious links or communications remains crucial in preventing exploitation of this and similar vulnerabilities.