CVE-2021-22486 – CVE-2021-22486 is an unstandardized field names... (How to Fix)

Q: What is the severity of CVE-2021-22486?

CVE-2021-22486 has a CVSS score of 7.5 (HIGH). CVE-2021-22486 is an unstandardized field names vulnerability in Huawei smartphones that could allow attackers to access sensitive information. This affects service confidentiality by potentially exposing data through improper field handling. Huawei smartphone users with affected devices are vulnerable.

📋 TL;DR

CVE-2021-22486 is an unstandardized field names vulnerability in Huawei smartphones that could allow attackers to access sensitive information. This affects service confidentiality by potentially exposing data through improper field handling. Huawei smartphone users with affected devices are vulnerable.

💻 Affected Systems

Products:

Huawei smartphones

Versions: Specific versions not detailed in available references, but Huawei bulletins from July 2021 indicate affected devices.

Operating Systems: HarmonyOS, Android-based EMUI

Default Config Vulnerable: ⚠️ Yes

Notes: Affects Huawei smartphones with specific software versions. Users should check Huawei's July 2021 security bulletins for exact models.

📦 What is this software?

⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact

🔴

Worst Case

Complete compromise of service confidentiality allowing unauthorized access to sensitive user data stored on the device.

🟠

Likely Case

Limited information disclosure affecting specific services or applications on the device.

🟢

If Mitigated

No data exposure if proper input validation and field standardization are implemented.

🌐 Internet-Facing: MEDIUM - Requires user interaction or malicious app installation, not directly internet-exposed.

🏢 Internal Only: MEDIUM - Device-level vulnerability that could be exploited through malicious apps or compromised networks.

🎯 Exploit Status

Public PoC: ✅ No

Weaponized: UNKNOWN

Unauthenticated Exploit: ✅ No

Complexity: MEDIUM

Exploitation likely requires local access or malicious app installation. No public exploit code available.

🛠️ Fix & Mitigation

✅ Official Fix

Patch Version: Security updates from July 2021 or later

Vendor Advisory: https://consumer.huawei.com/en/support/bulletin/2021/7/

Restart Required: Yes

Instructions:

1. Go to Settings > System & updates > Software update. 2. Check for updates. 3. Install available security updates from July 2021 or later. 4. Restart device after installation.

🔧 Temporary Workarounds

Disable unnecessary services

all

Reduce attack surface by disabling non-essential services and permissions

App permission review

all

Review and restrict app permissions to minimum required

🧯 If You Can't Patch

Isolate device from sensitive networks and data
Implement mobile device management with strict app control policies

🔍 How to Verify

Check if Vulnerable:

Check device software version in Settings > About phone > Build number. Compare with Huawei's July 2021 security bulletin.

Check Version:

Settings > About phone > Build number (no CLI command available)

Verify Fix Applied:

Verify software update installation date is July 2021 or later in Settings > System & updates > Software update > Update history.

📡 Detection & Monitoring

Log Indicators:

Unusual field access patterns in system logs
Unexpected service data access attempts

Network Indicators:

Suspicious data exfiltration from device
Unusual app communication patterns

SIEM Query:

Device logs showing abnormal field access or data retrieval patterns from system services

📊 Metadata

CVE ID: CVE-2021-22486

CVSS v3 Score: 7.5 (HIGH)

CVSS Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N

Published: October 28, 2021

Last Updated: November 21, 2024

🔗 References

https://consumer.huawei.com/en/support/bulletin/2021/7/ Vendor Advisory
https://consumer.huawei.com/en/support/bulletin/2021/7/ Vendor Advisory

📤 Share & Export

📄 Export Markdown 📋 Export JSON