CVE-2021-46890
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability in Huawei GPU modules allows attackers to bypass read/write permission checks, potentially leading to unauthorized access to sensitive data or system compromise. It affects Huawei devices running HarmonyOS with vulnerable GPU drivers. The high CVSS score indicates critical impact potential.
💻 Affected Systems
- Huawei smartphones
- Huawei tablets
- Huawei devices with HarmonyOS
📦 What is this software?
Emui by Huawei
Harmonyos by Huawei
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete system compromise allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges, access all GPU-accessible memory, and potentially bypass all security controls.
Likely Case
Unauthorized access to GPU-accessible memory regions leading to information disclosure, privilege escalation, or denial of service affecting GPU functionality.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if proper isolation controls prevent GPU access from untrusted processes, though some information leakage may still occur.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires local access or ability to execute code on device; no public exploits known as of knowledge cutoff
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: July 2023 security updates for HarmonyOS
Vendor Advisory: https://consumer.huawei.com/en/support/bulletin/2023/7/
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Check for system updates in device settings. 2. Install July 2023 or later security updates. 3. Reboot device after installation.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict GPU access
allLimit GPU module access to trusted applications only through SELinux/security policies
Disable unnecessary GPU features
allDisable GPU compute/shader features not required for device operation
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Isolate affected devices from untrusted networks and users
- Implement application allowlisting to prevent untrusted code execution
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check HarmonyOS version in Settings > About phone > HarmonyOS version; versions before July 2023 patches are vulnerableCheck Version:
Not applicable via command line on consumer devices; use device settings interfaceVerify Fix Applied:
Verify HarmonyOS version shows July 2023 or later security patch level in Settings > About phone📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual GPU driver access patterns
- Permission denied errors for GPU operations from unexpected processes
- Kernel logs showing GPU permission violations
Network Indicators:
- Not network exploitable; focus on local system monitoring
SIEM Query:
Not applicable for typical consumer device monitoring🔗 References
- https://consumer.huawei.com/en/support/bulletin/2023/7/
- https://device.harmonyos.com/en/docs/security/update/security-bulletins-202307-0000001587168858
- https://consumer.huawei.com/en/support/bulletin/2023/7/
- https://device.harmonyos.com/en/docs/security/update/security-bulletins-202307-0000001587168858
