CVE-2021-46742
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability in Huawei/HarmonyOS multi-window module allows unauthorized modification of secure system settings. Attackers could tamper with Settings.Secure data, potentially affecting system availability. Affects Huawei smartphones and devices running vulnerable HarmonyOS versions.
💻 Affected Systems
- Huawei smartphones
- HarmonyOS devices
📦 What is this software?
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 system compromise allowing attackers to modify critical system settings, potentially bricking devices or enabling persistent backdoors.
Likely Case
System instability, unauthorized configuration changes, or denial of service through settings manipulation.
If Mitigated
Limited impact with proper access controls and monitoring in place.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires app installation or local access to device.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: April 2022 security update
Vendor Advisory: https://consumer.huawei.com/en/support/bulletin/2022/4/
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Check for system updates in device settings. 2. Install April 2022 security update. 3. Restart device after installation.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable multi-window mode
allTemporarily disable multi-window functionality to reduce attack surface
Restrict app installations
allOnly install apps from trusted sources like official app stores
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Isolate affected devices from critical networks
- Implement strict app installation policies and monitoring
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check HarmonyOS version in Settings > About phone. If before April 2022 security update, device is vulnerable.Check Version:
Settings > About phone > HarmonyOS versionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify HarmonyOS version shows April 2022 security update installed.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unauthorized Settings.Secure modifications
- Multi-window module access violations
Network Indicators:
- Unusual device behavior patterns
SIEM Query:
Look for system setting modification events from unauthorized processes🔗 References
- https://consumer.huawei.com/en/support/bulletin/2022/4/
- https://device.harmonyos.com/en/docs/security/update/security-bulletins-phones-202204-0000001224076294
- https://consumer.huawei.com/en/support/bulletin/2022/4/
- https://device.harmonyos.com/en/docs/security/update/security-bulletins-phones-202204-0000001224076294
