CVE-2021-40043

7.8 HIGH

📋 TL;DR

This CVE describes a laser command injection vulnerability in Huawei AIS-BW80H-00 devices that allows attackers to execute voice commands on the device. Attackers need visual access to the device to exploit it. Affected are Huawei AIS-BW80H-00 devices running versions earlier than 9.0.3.4(H100SP13C00).

💻 Affected Systems

Products:
  • Huawei AIS-BW80H-00
Versions: Versions earlier than AIS-BW80H-00 9.0.3.4(H100SP13C00)
Operating Systems: Embedded system
Default Config Vulnerable: ⚠️ Yes
Notes: Attackers require visual access to the device to exploit this vulnerability.

📦 What is this software?

⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact

🔴

Worst Case

Attackers with visual access could execute arbitrary voice commands on the device, potentially enabling unauthorized control, information disclosure, or further system compromise.

🟠

Likely Case

Attackers with physical or visual proximity could trigger unintended voice commands, potentially disrupting device functionality or accessing limited information.

🟢

If Mitigated

With proper physical security controls and updated firmware, the risk is significantly reduced to minimal impact.

🌐 Internet-Facing: LOW with brief explanation
🏢 Internal Only: MEDIUM with brief explanation

🎯 Exploit Status

Public PoC: ✅ No
Weaponized: UNKNOWN
Unauthenticated Exploit: ⚠️ Yes
Complexity: MEDIUM

Exploitation requires visual access to the device and specific laser injection techniques.

🛠️ Fix & Mitigation

✅ Official Fix

Patch Version: AIS-BW80H-00 9.0.3.4(H100SP13C00) or later

Vendor Advisory: https://www.huawei.com/en/psirt/security-advisories/huawei-sa-20220126-01-df75863e-en

Restart Required: Yes

Instructions:

1. Download firmware version 9.0.3.4(H100SP13C00) or later from Huawei support. 2. Follow Huawei's firmware update procedure for AIS-BW80H-00 devices. 3. Reboot the device after update completion.

🔧 Temporary Workarounds

Physical Security Controls

all

Restrict physical and visual access to vulnerable devices

Disable Voice Commands

all

If supported, disable voice command functionality on the device

🧯 If You Can't Patch

  • Implement strict physical security controls to prevent visual access to devices
  • Place devices in secure locations with limited line-of-sight access

🔍 How to Verify

Check if Vulnerable:

Check device firmware version via device management interface or console

Check Version:

Check via device web interface or console (specific command varies by device configuration)

Verify Fix Applied:

Verify firmware version is 9.0.3.4(H100SP13C00) or later

📡 Detection & Monitoring

Log Indicators:

  • Unexpected voice command activations
  • Firmware version changes
  • Device reboot events

Network Indicators:

  • Unusual device communication patterns

SIEM Query:

Device logs showing voice command execution without user interaction

🔗 References

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