CVE-2023-39391 in EMUI
Summary
by MITRE • 08/13/2023
Vulnerability of system file information leakage in the USB Service module. Successful exploitation of this vulnerability may affect confidentiality.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/08/2023
This vulnerability resides within the USB Service module of a system where sensitive information about system files becomes exposed through improper access controls or inadequate information hiding mechanisms. The flaw represents a critical confidentiality risk as it allows unauthorized disclosure of potentially sensitive system file metadata that could reveal system architecture, file structures, or other operational details to malicious actors. The vulnerability manifests when the USB service module fails to properly restrict access to file system information during USB device enumeration or data transfer processes, creating an information leakage channel that violates fundamental security principles of least privilege and information hiding.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability likely involves improper handling of file system metadata within the USB service layer where file attributes, paths, or access permissions are inadvertently exposed through USB communication protocols or service interfaces. This could occur through direct exposure of file system handles, improper sanitization of file information returned during USB device enumeration, or inadequate access control checks when processing USB-related file operations. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-200 which specifically addresses "Information Exposure" and represents a failure to properly implement information hiding principles in system services. Attackers could potentially exploit this through various vectors including malicious USB devices, unauthorized USB connections, or network-based attacks that leverage the USB service module as an attack surface.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure as it creates opportunities for more sophisticated attacks that could leverage the leaked information for further exploitation. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability gains knowledge about the underlying file system structure, which could facilitate targeted attacks against specific system components or reveal the presence of sensitive files that might not otherwise be visible. This information leakage could enable adversaries to craft more effective attacks against other system components by understanding file locations, access patterns, or system configurations that would otherwise remain hidden. The vulnerability particularly affects systems where USB connectivity is enabled and where the USB service module operates with elevated privileges, creating a potential attack path that could lead to privilege escalation or system compromise.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing proper access controls and information hiding mechanisms within the USB service module to prevent unauthorized file system information disclosure. System administrators should ensure that USB service configurations properly restrict access to file system metadata and implement proper input validation and output sanitization when processing USB-related file operations. The implementation should follow security best practices including principle of least privilege, proper access control enforcement, and regular security auditing of USB service components. Organizations should also consider implementing USB device whitelisting policies and monitoring USB connections for suspicious activity. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of applying information security principles to all system components, including peripheral service modules, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059 which covers the use of system services and T1566 which addresses social engineering through USB devices as potential attack vectors. Regular security updates and patch management are essential to address this vulnerability and prevent exploitation attempts that could compromise system confidentiality and overall security posture.