CVE-2022-29794
📋 TL;DR
CVE-2022-29794 is a Use After Free vulnerability in the frame scheduling module of Huawei HarmonyOS and EMUI devices. This vulnerability allows attackers to potentially execute arbitrary code, compromise data integrity/availability/confidentiality, and gain elevated privileges. It affects Huawei smartphones and tablets running vulnerable versions of HarmonyOS and EMUI.
💻 Affected Systems
- Huawei smartphones
- Huawei tablets
📦 What is this software?
Emui by Huawei
Harmonyos by Huawei
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete device compromise allowing remote code execution, data theft, and persistent backdoor installation
Likely Case
Application crashes, denial of service, or limited privilege escalation depending on exploit implementation
If Mitigated
Minimal impact if patched; potential performance issues if workarounds applied
🎯 Exploit Status
CVSS 9.8 indicates critical severity with network-accessible attack vector and no privileges required
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: HarmonyOS 2.1.1.195 (C00E190R5P1) and later, EMUI 12.0.0.195 (C00E190R5P1) and later
Vendor Advisory: https://consumer.huawei.com/en/support/bulletin/2022/5/
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Go to Settings > System & updates > Software update. 2. Check for updates. 3. Download and install available security updates. 4. Restart device when prompted.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable unnecessary services
allReduce attack surface by disabling unused system services and permissions
Application restrictions
allOnly install apps from trusted sources and review app permissions
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Isolate affected devices from untrusted networks
- Implement strict application allowlisting policies
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check Settings > About phone > HarmonyOS/EMUI version. If version is 2.1.0, 2.1.1, or 12.0.0 (without patch), device is vulnerable.Check Version:
Settings > About phone > HarmonyOS/EMUI versionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify version is 2.1.1.195 or higher for HarmonyOS, or 12.0.0.195 or higher for EMUI📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Kernel panic logs
- Unexpected process crashes in system services
- Memory corruption warnings
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound connections from system processes
- Suspicious network traffic to/from device management ports
SIEM Query:
Device logs showing 'kernel: use-after-free' or 'kernel: BUG: KASAN: use-after-free'🔗 References
- https://consumer.huawei.com/en/support/bulletin/2022/5/
- https://device.harmonyos.com/en/docs/security/update/security-bulletins-phones-202205-0000001245813162
- https://consumer.huawei.com/en/support/bulletin/2022/5/
- https://device.harmonyos.com/en/docs/security/update/security-bulletins-phones-202205-0000001245813162
