CVE-2021-22420 : What You Need to Know

This article provides a detailed overview of CVE-2021-22420, a vulnerability found in Huawei's HarmonyOS.

Understanding CVE-2021-22420

CVE-2021-22420 is a vulnerability in HarmonyOS that allows local attackers to exploit an External Control of System or Configuration Setting issue, potentially compromising the application trustlist mechanism.

What is CVE-2021-22420?

A component of HarmonyOS is affected by an External Control of System or Configuration Setting vulnerability, enabling local attackers to manipulate system configurations and undermine application trust.

The Impact of CVE-2021-22420

This vulnerability poses a significant risk as it could lead to a breach of trust in the application's security mechanism, potentially allowing malicious actors to gain unauthorized access.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-22420

Here are the technical aspects of CVE-2021-22420:

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in HarmonyOS can be exploited by local attackers to compromise the system's trustlist mechanism, leading to potential security breaches.

Affected Systems and Versions

Huawei's HarmonyOS version 2.0 is confirmed to be affected by this vulnerability, making devices running this version vulnerable to exploitation.

Exploitation Mechanism

By exploiting the External Control of System or Configuration Setting issue, attackers can manipulate system settings to bypass security controls and compromise the application's trust mechanism.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2021-22420, the following mitigation steps are recommended:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update HarmonyOS to the latest version provided by Huawei.
Implement stringent access controls and user permissions to limit potential exploits.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor for security updates and patches from Huawei.
Conduct thorough security assessments and audits to identify and mitigate similar vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Apply security patches and updates promptly to ensure the protection of HarmonyOS devices against known vulnerabilities.