CVE-2021-37063 in Huawei
Summary
by MITRE • 12/07/2021
There is a Cryptographic Issues vulnerability in Huawei Smartphone.Successful exploitation of this vulnerability may lead to read and delete images of Harmony devices.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/10/2021
The cryptographic issues vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-37063 affects Huawei smartphones running on the Harmony operating system, representing a significant security flaw that undermines the integrity of device data protection mechanisms. This vulnerability falls under the broader category of cryptographic weaknesses that can compromise the confidentiality and availability of stored information on mobile devices.
The technical flaw stems from inadequate cryptographic implementation within the HarmonyOS smartphone ecosystem, specifically affecting how the device handles image storage and retrieval processes. The vulnerability manifests when the system fails to properly encrypt or authenticate image data during storage operations, creating potential pathways for unauthorized access. This cryptographic failure allows attackers to exploit weaknesses in the device's data protection mechanisms, potentially enabling them to read and delete image files without proper authorization.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it represents a critical compromise of user privacy and device security. Attackers who successfully exploit this weakness can access personal photographs, documents, and other image-based data stored on affected Huawei devices. The ability to both read and delete images creates a comprehensive threat vector that can result in data loss, privacy violations, and potential identity theft through the exploitation of sensitive visual information.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-310, which categorizes cryptographic issues as weaknesses in cryptographic implementations that can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data. The flaw demonstrates poor implementation of cryptographic protocols that should ensure data confidentiality and integrity. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving credential access and data destruction, as it enables adversaries to both extract and eliminate valuable user data from compromised devices.
The security implications of CVE-2021-37063 are particularly concerning given the widespread adoption of Huawei smartphones and the sensitive nature of image data that users typically store on their devices. The vulnerability creates a persistent threat that can be exploited through various attack vectors including malicious applications, compromised network connections, or physical device access. Users of affected devices face increased risk of privacy breaches and data loss without proper mitigations in place.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate software updates from Huawei to address the cryptographic implementation flaws. Organizations and individuals should also implement additional security measures such as regular backup procedures, network monitoring, and user education about the risks associated with unpatched mobile devices. The remediation process requires careful attention to ensure that cryptographic implementations are properly validated and tested before deployment to prevent similar issues in future updates.