CVE-2021-22385 : What You Need to Know

A component of the Huawei smartphone has a vulnerability that allows for External Control of System or Configuration Setting, which could be exploited by local attackers to achieve Kernel Code Execution.

Understanding CVE-2021-22385

This CVE refers to a security flaw present in Huawei's EMUI, Magic UI, and HarmonyOS that enables attackers to manipulate system settings and potentially execute malicious code on affected devices.

What is CVE-2021-22385?

CVE-2021-22385 is a vulnerability found in Huawei smartphones, specifically impacting EMUI 11.0.0, EMUI 10.1.1, EMUI 10.1.0, Magic UI 4.0.0, Magic UI 3.1.1, Magic UI 3.1.0, and HarmonyOS 2.0. It allows local attackers to exploit the system or configuration settings, leading to Kernel Code Execution.

The Impact of CVE-2021-22385

The vulnerability poses a significant risk as it enables attackers to gain control over the affected smartphones, potentially resulting in unauthorized access, data theft, and other malicious activities.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-22385

This section covers specific technical aspects of CVE-2021-22385, including the description of the vulnerability, affected systems, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The External Control of System or Configuration Setting vulnerability in Huawei smartphones could be abused by local attackers to execute arbitrary Kernel Code, thereby compromising the device's security and integrity.

Affected Systems and Versions

EMUI 11.0.0, EMUI 10.1.1, EMUI 10.1.0, Magic UI 4.0.0, Magic UI 3.1.1, Magic UI 3.1.0, and HarmonyOS 2.0 are the impacted versions where this vulnerability exists, posing a risk to users of these devices.

Exploitation Mechanism

By leveraging the External Control vulnerability, attackers with local access to the device can manipulate system settings to execute malicious code, potentially leading to severe security breaches.

Mitigation and Prevention

In this section, we discuss the necessary steps to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2021-22385 and prevent potential exploitation.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users of Huawei smartphones running the affected versions should apply security patches provided by the company promptly. Additionally, users should avoid connecting to unsecured networks or downloading suspicious files to mitigate the risk of exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

To enhance long-term security, users are advised to keep their devices updated with the latest security patches, adhere to best cybersecurity practices, and exercise caution while installing third-party applications.

Patching and Updates

Huawei has released security updates addressing CVE-2021-22385. Users are strongly encouraged to install these patches as soon as possible to safeguard their devices against potential security threats.