CVE-2021-37113
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a privilege escalation vulnerability in the file system component of Huawei smartphones running HarmonyOS. Successful exploitation could allow attackers to gain elevated privileges, potentially compromising service confidentiality. The vulnerability affects specific Huawei smartphone models with certain HarmonyOS versions.
💻 Affected Systems
- Huawei smartphones with HarmonyOS
📦 What is this software?
Emui by Huawei
Emui by Huawei
Emui by Huawei
Emui by Huawei
Harmonyos by Huawei
Harmonyos by Huawei
Magic Ui by Huawei
Magic Ui by Huawei
Magic Ui by Huawei
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
An attacker gains root-level access to the device, compromising all user data, system integrity, and potentially enabling further attacks on connected networks or services.
Likely Case
Local attackers or malicious apps bypass security restrictions to access sensitive files or system resources they shouldn't have permission to access.
If Mitigated
With proper security controls and patching, the vulnerability is neutralized with no impact on device security.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation likely requires local access or malicious app installation. No public exploit code was found in the provided references.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: HarmonyOS security updates from October 2021
Vendor Advisory: https://consumer.huawei.com/en/support/bulletin/2021/10/
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Go to Settings > System & updates > Software update on your Huawei device. 2. Check for available updates. 3. Download and install the October 2021 security update or later. 4. Restart your device when prompted.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict app installations
allOnly install apps from trusted sources like Huawei AppGallery to reduce risk of malicious apps exploiting this vulnerability.
Enable enhanced security features
allTurn on all available security features in device settings including app permission controls and security scanning.
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Isolate affected devices from sensitive networks and data
- Implement strict app installation policies and monitor for suspicious activity
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check your HarmonyOS version in Settings > About phone > HarmonyOS version. Compare against patched versions in Huawei's October 2021 security bulletins.Check Version:
No command-line option available. Use device Settings menu as described above.Verify Fix Applied:
Verify you have installed the October 2021 security update or later by checking the update history in Settings > System & updates > Software update.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual file system access patterns
- Privilege escalation attempts in system logs
- Unauthorized access to protected system directories
Network Indicators:
- Not applicable - local vulnerability
SIEM Query:
Not applicable for typical mobile device deployments🔗 References
- https://consumer.huawei.com/en/support/bulletin/2021/10/
- https://device.harmonyos.com/en/docs/security/update/security-bulletins-202110-0000001162998526
- https://consumer.huawei.com/en/support/bulletin/2021/10/
- https://device.harmonyos.com/en/docs/security/update/security-bulletins-202110-0000001162998526
