CVE-2023-44116
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability in Huawei's APPWidget module allows apps to run without proper authorization due to insufficient permission verification. It affects Huawei devices running HarmonyOS, potentially enabling unauthorized app execution. The high CVSS score indicates critical severity requiring immediate attention.
💻 Affected Systems
- Huawei smartphones and tablets with HarmonyOS
📦 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
Harmonyos by Huawei
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Malicious apps could execute with elevated privileges, potentially compromising device integrity, stealing sensitive data, or establishing persistent access.
Likely Case
Unauthorized apps could run with permissions they shouldn't have, leading to data leakage, privacy violations, or limited system manipulation.
If Mitigated
With proper security controls and patching, the risk is reduced to minimal, though residual risk exists until full remediation.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires a malicious app to be installed on the device. The vulnerability is in the permission verification mechanism, making exploitation straightforward once an app is present.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: HarmonyOS security updates from October 2023 onward
Vendor Advisory: https://consumer.huawei.com/en/support/bulletin/2023/10/
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Check for system updates in Settings > System & updates > Software update. 2. Download and install available security updates. 3. Restart device when prompted. 4. Verify update installation in Settings > About phone > HarmonyOS version.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict app installations
allOnly install apps from official Huawei AppGallery and disable unknown sources installation
Settings > Security > More settings > Install apps from external sources > Disable for all apps
Review app permissions
allRegularly audit and restrict permissions for installed applications
Settings > Apps > [App Name] > Permissions > Review and disable unnecessary permissions
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Isolate affected devices from sensitive networks and data
- Implement mobile device management (MDM) with strict app whitelisting policies
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check HarmonyOS version in Settings > About phone. If version predates October 2023 security updates, device is likely vulnerable.Check Version:
Settings > About phone > HarmonyOS versionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify HarmonyOS version includes October 2023 or later security patches in Settings > About phone > Build number📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unexpected app execution events
- Permission escalation attempts in system logs
- Apps running with unexpected permissions
Network Indicators:
- Unusual network traffic from apps that shouldn't have network permissions
- Data exfiltration patterns
SIEM Query:
Device logs showing app execution with elevated permissions without user authorization🔗 References
- https://consumer.huawei.com/en/support/bulletin/2023/10/
- https://device.harmonyos.com/en/docs/security/update/security-bulletins-202310-0000001663676540
- https://consumer.huawei.com/en/support/bulletin/2023/10/
- https://device.harmonyos.com/en/docs/security/update/security-bulletins-202310-0000001663676540
