CVE-2023-41305 in EMUI
Summary
by MITRE • 09/27/2023
Vulnerability of 5G messages being sent without being encrypted in a VPN environment in the SMS message module. Successful exploitation of this vulnerability may affect confidentiality.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/19/2023
This vulnerability exists within the 5G messaging infrastructure where SMS messages can be transmitted without encryption when operating within a virtual private network environment. The flaw represents a critical breakdown in the security architecture designed to protect sensitive communications. The vulnerability specifically affects the SMS message module component of 5G networks, where data transmission occurs without proper cryptographic protection mechanisms. This issue arises from insufficient implementation of end-to-end encryption protocols within the messaging subsystem, allowing potentially sensitive information to be intercepted during transmission. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it undermines the fundamental security assumptions of VPN environments where users expect their communications to remain confidential and protected from unauthorized access. The technical implementation fails to properly integrate encryption controls with the existing VPN infrastructure, creating a pathway for attackers to access unencrypted message content.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple confidentiality concerns to encompass potential data breaches, unauthorized information disclosure, and compromise of user privacy. Attackers exploiting this weakness could intercept SMS messages containing sensitive personal information, financial data, or business-critical communications that should remain protected within the secure VPN environment. The vulnerability creates a persistent risk for organizations relying on 5G networks for secure communications, particularly those handling regulated data or sensitive government communications. From an attack perspective, this represents a sophisticated vector that can be leveraged by threat actors to perform man-in-the-middle attacks or passive surveillance operations. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-310, which addresses cryptographic weaknesses in data protection mechanisms, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1041 where adversaries may use unencrypted communication channels to exfiltrate data.
Mitigation strategies must address both immediate operational fixes and long-term architectural improvements to prevent similar vulnerabilities. Organizations should implement mandatory encryption protocols for all SMS messaging within VPN environments, ensuring that cryptographic controls are enforced at the network level rather than relying on application-specific implementations. The solution requires integration of robust encryption mechanisms with existing VPN infrastructure, potentially involving updates to network security policies and enforcement mechanisms. Security teams should conduct comprehensive network assessments to identify all messaging components that may be affected by this vulnerability and implement mandatory encryption requirements. Additionally, system administrators must ensure proper configuration management to prevent misconfigurations that could disable encryption features. The remediation process should include regular security testing of messaging systems and continuous monitoring for potential exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation strategies to isolate sensitive communications and reduce the attack surface for potential exploitation of this vulnerability.