CVE-2023-44100
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a broadcast permission control vulnerability in Bluetooth modules that could allow unauthorized access to Bluetooth services. Successful exploitation may affect service confidentiality by potentially exposing sensitive data transmitted via Bluetooth. The vulnerability affects Huawei/HarmonyOS devices with specific Bluetooth configurations.
💻 Affected Systems
- Huawei smartphones
- HarmonyOS devices
📦 What is this software?
Emui by Huawei
Emui by Huawei
Emui by Huawei
Emui by Huawei
Harmonyos by Huawei
Harmonyos by Huawei
Harmonyos by Huawei
Harmonyos by Huawei
Harmonyos by Huawei
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Unauthorized attackers within Bluetooth range could intercept sensitive data from vulnerable devices, potentially accessing personal information, authentication tokens, or other confidential communications.
Likely Case
Attackers within proximity could eavesdrop on Bluetooth communications, potentially capturing limited sensitive data depending on what services are actively using Bluetooth.
If Mitigated
With proper Bluetooth security settings and device isolation, impact would be minimal to none as attackers would be unable to establish connections or access services.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires proximity to vulnerable device and knowledge of Bluetooth service vulnerabilities. No public exploit code identified.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: October 2023 security updates for HarmonyOS
Vendor Advisory: https://consumer.huawei.com/en/support/bulletin/2023/10/
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Check for system updates in device settings. 2. Install October 2023 security update. 3. Restart device after installation completes.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable Bluetooth when not in use
allTurn off Bluetooth functionality to prevent potential exploitation
Settings > Bluetooth > Toggle off
Restrict Bluetooth visibility
allSet device to non-discoverable mode to reduce attack surface
Settings > Bluetooth > Device visibility > Non-discoverable
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Disable Bluetooth completely on affected devices
- Implement physical security controls to limit proximity of unauthorized personnel
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check device HarmonyOS version in Settings > About phone > HarmonyOS version. If version predates October 2023 security updates and Bluetooth is enabled, device may be vulnerable.Check Version:
Settings > About phone > HarmonyOS versionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify HarmonyOS version includes October 2023 security updates and check that Bluetooth functions normally without unexpected connection attempts.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unexpected Bluetooth pairing requests
- Multiple failed Bluetooth connection attempts from unknown devices
- Bluetooth service errors or crashes
Network Indicators:
- Unusual Bluetooth traffic patterns
- Connection attempts from unauthorized MAC addresses
SIEM Query:
bluetooth AND (pairing_failed OR connection_attempt) AND device_type="harmonyos"🔗 References
- https://consumer.huawei.com/en/support/bulletin/2023/10/
- https://https://device.harmonyos.com/en/docs/security/update/security-bulletins-202310-0000001663676540
- https://consumer.huawei.com/en/support/bulletin/2023/10/
- https://https://device.harmonyos.com/en/docs/security/update/security-bulletins-202310-0000001663676540
