CVE-2021-40049
📋 TL;DR
This CVE-2021-40049 is a permission control vulnerability in Huawei's PMS (Package Manager Service) module that allows unauthorized access to sensitive system information. It affects Huawei devices running HarmonyOS and EMUI. Attackers can exploit this to obtain system information without proper authorization.
💻 Affected Systems
- Huawei smartphones
- Huawei tablets
📦 What is this software?
Emui by Huawei
Emui by Huawei
Emui by Huawei
Emui by Huawei
Emui by Huawei
Emui by Huawei
Harmonyos by Huawei
Magic Ui by Huawei
Magic Ui by Huawei
Magic Ui by Huawei
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete compromise of sensitive system information including device configuration, installed applications, and potentially user data through privilege escalation.
Likely Case
Unauthorized access to system information that could be used for reconnaissance, profiling devices, or as a stepping stone for further attacks.
If Mitigated
Limited to no impact if proper access controls and patching are implemented.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires local access or malicious app installation. No public proof-of-concept available as of knowledge cutoff.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: HarmonyOS 2.0.0.230 and later, EMUI 12.0.0.230 and later
Vendor Advisory: https://consumer.huawei.com/en/support/bulletin/2022/3/
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Check for system updates in device Settings > System & updates > Software update. 2. Download and install available security updates. 3. Restart device after installation completes.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict app installations
allOnly install applications from trusted sources like official app stores
Enable app verification
allTurn on app verification features in device security settings
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Isolate affected devices from sensitive networks and systems
- Implement strict application whitelisting policies
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check device version in Settings > About phone > HarmonyOS/EMUI versionCheck Version:
Settings > About phone > HarmonyOS/EMUI versionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify version is HarmonyOS 2.0.0.230+ or EMUI 12.0.0.230+ after update📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unauthorized access attempts to PMS module
- Suspicious permission requests from applications
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound connections from affected devices
SIEM Query:
device.os.name:HarmonyOS AND device.os.version:<2.0.0.230 OR device.os.name:EMUI AND device.os.version:<12.0.0.230🔗 References
- https://consumer.huawei.com/en/support/bulletin/2022/3/
- https://device.harmonyos.com/cn/docs/security/update/security-bulletins-phones-202203-0000001257385193
- https://consumer.huawei.com/en/support/bulletin/2022/3/
- https://device.harmonyos.com/cn/docs/security/update/security-bulletins-phones-202203-0000001257385193
