CVE-2018-7991 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

Huawei smartphones Mate10 with versions earlier before ALP-AL00B 8.0.0.110(C00) have a Factory Reset Protection (FRP) bypass vulnerability that allows attackers to access the system setting page.

Understanding CVE-2018-7991

Versions of Huawei smartphones Mate10 released prior to ALP-AL00B 8.0.0.110(C00) contain a vulnerability that could be exploited to bypass Factory Reset Protection (FRP).

What is CVE-2018-7991?

This vulnerability arises due to the inadequate verification of permissions within the system. A potential attacker could exploit this by connecting the smartphone to a computer using a data cable and carrying out certain specific actions.

The Impact of CVE-2018-7991

If successful, the attacker would be able to bypass FRP protection and gain access to the system setting page.

Technical Details of CVE-2018-7991

Vulnerability Description

Vulnerability Type: FRP Bypass
Vulnerability Severity: High
Vulnerability Identifier: CVE-2018-7991

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Mate10
Vendor: Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.
Vulnerable Version: Versions earlier before ALP-AL00B 8.0.0.110(C00)

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability allows attackers to bypass FRP by connecting the smartphone to a computer using a data cable and performing specific actions.

Mitigation and Prevention

Immediate Steps to Take

Update the affected Huawei Mate10 devices to version ALP-AL00B 8.0.0.110(C00) or later.
Avoid connecting the smartphone to untrusted computers or devices.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update your smartphone's operating system and security patches.
Be cautious when connecting your smartphone to unknown or untrusted devices.

Patching and Updates

Ensure that your Huawei Mate10 devices are regularly updated with the latest security patches to prevent exploitation of this vulnerability.