CVE-2023-49242
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a free broadcast vulnerability in the running management module of Huawei devices running HarmonyOS. Successful exploitation could allow unauthorized access to sensitive information, affecting service confidentiality. The vulnerability impacts Huawei consumer devices running affected versions of HarmonyOS.
💻 Affected Systems
- Huawei smartphones
- Huawei tablets
- Huawei smart devices running HarmonyOS
📦 What is this software?
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
Attackers could intercept sensitive data transmitted via broadcast mechanisms, potentially exposing user information, device credentials, or other confidential data.
Likely Case
Local attackers or malicious apps could access broadcast data they shouldn't have permission to view, leading to information disclosure.
If Mitigated
With proper app sandboxing and broadcast permission controls, impact would be limited to specific broadcast channels only.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation likely requires malicious app installation or local access. No public exploit details available.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: December 2023 security update for HarmonyOS
Vendor Advisory: https://consumer.huawei.com/en/support/bulletin/2023/12/
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Check for updates in Settings > System & updates > Software update. 2. Download and install December 2023 security update. 3. Restart device after installation completes.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict app permissions
allReview and restrict broadcast-related permissions for installed applications
Disable unnecessary broadcast receivers
allDisable broadcast receivers for non-essential system components if possible
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Isolate affected devices from sensitive networks
- Implement strict app installation policies and only install from trusted sources
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check HarmonyOS version in Settings > About phone > HarmonyOS version. If version is prior to December 2023 security update, device is vulnerable.Check Version:
Not applicable - check via device settings UIVerify Fix Applied:
Verify HarmonyOS version shows December 2023 security update installed. Check for specific security patch level in Settings > About phone.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual broadcast activity
- Permission violations in system logs
- Unexpected access to protected broadcast channels
Network Indicators:
- Not applicable - local vulnerability
SIEM Query:
Not applicable for typical consumer device deployments🔗 References
- https://consumer.huawei.com/en/support/bulletin/2023/12/
- https://device.harmonyos.com/en/docs/security/update/security-bulletins-202312-0000001758430245
- https://consumer.huawei.com/en/support/bulletin/2023/12/
- https://device.harmonyos.com/en/docs/security/update/security-bulletins-202312-0000001758430245
