CVE-2023-49244
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a permission management vulnerability in Huawei's multi-user module that could allow unauthorized access to sensitive information. It affects Huawei devices running HarmonyOS, potentially compromising service confidentiality. Users with affected Huawei devices are at risk.
💻 Affected Systems
- Huawei devices with HarmonyOS
📦 What is this software?
Emui by Huawei
Harmonyos by Huawei
Harmonyos by Huawei
Harmonyos by Huawei
Harmonyos by Huawei
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Unauthorized users could access sensitive data from other user accounts, leading to data breaches and privacy violations.
Likely Case
Limited information disclosure between user accounts on shared devices, potentially exposing personal data or app information.
If Mitigated
With proper access controls and isolation, impact would be minimal to non-existent.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation likely requires local access to the device and some level of user interaction or privilege. No public exploit details available.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Specific version not provided, but patches are included in December 2023 security updates
Vendor Advisory: https://consumer.huawei.com/en/support/bulletin/2023/12/
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Check for available system updates in device settings. 2. Install the latest security update from Huawei. 3. Restart the device after installation completes.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable Multi-User Mode
allTemporarily disable multi-user functionality to prevent exploitation
Restrict Physical Access
allLimit physical access to devices and implement strong authentication
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict physical security controls for affected devices
- Disable or restrict multi-user functionality where possible
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check device settings for installed HarmonyOS version and compare with Huawei's December 2023 security bulletinCheck Version:
Check in device Settings > About Phone > HarmonyOS VersionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify that the latest security update from December 2023 or later is installed and check system version📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unauthorized access attempts between user accounts
- Permission violation logs in system audit trails
Network Indicators:
- Not applicable - this is a local vulnerability
SIEM Query:
Not applicable for local device vulnerabilities without centralized logging🔗 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
