CVE-2021-37104 in P40
Summary
by MITRE • 09/28/2021
There is a server-side request forgery vulnerability in HUAWEI P40 versions 10.1.0.118(C00E116R3P3). This vulnerability is due to insufficient validation of parameters while dealing with some messages. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to gain access to certain resource which the attacker are supposed not to do.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/03/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-37104 represents a critical server-side request forgery flaw within Huawei P40 devices running firmware version 10.1.0.118(C00E116R3P3). This security weakness stems from inadequate parameter validation mechanisms when processing specific message protocols within the device's communication stack. The flaw exists at the application layer where input validation fails to properly sanitize user-supplied data before it is processed by backend services, creating an exploitable pathway for malicious actors to manipulate system behavior.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability manifests through insufficient input validation controls that fail to properly filter or escape parameters used in message processing routines. When the device receives messages containing crafted parameter values, the system processes these inputs without adequate sanitization, allowing attackers to inject malicious requests that bypass normal access controls. This weakness falls under the CWE-918 category of Server-Side Request Forgery, which is classified as a critical security vulnerability in the Common Weakness Enumeration framework. The vulnerability enables attackers to make unauthorized requests to internal or external systems that would normally be restricted, potentially leading to unauthorized data access or system compromise.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to device security and user privacy. An attacker who successfully exploits this flaw could gain access to resources that should remain restricted, potentially including internal network services, system configuration data, or user information stored on the device. The impact extends beyond simple unauthorized access as the vulnerability could enable more sophisticated attacks such as lateral movement within network segments or further exploitation of other system components. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that the affected device is a smartphone with broad network connectivity capabilities and access to sensitive user data.
The security implications of this vulnerability align with ATT&CK framework techniques including T1071.004 for Application Layer Protocol and T1190 for Exploit Public-Facing Application, as the flaw exists in a publicly accessible service component. Organizations and users should consider immediate mitigation strategies including firmware updates from Huawei, network segmentation to limit access to affected devices, and monitoring for unusual network activity patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of robust input validation and proper parameter sanitization in mobile device security architectures, particularly in environments where devices maintain connectivity to enterprise networks and handle sensitive information.