CVE-2022-39007 is a critical security vulnerability identified in Huawei's HarmonyOS versions 2.0 and 2.1. The vulnerability exists within the location module of the operating system, where permission verification can be bypassed. This flaw allows an attacker to escalate privileges without requiring any prior authentication or user interaction. Specifically, the vulnerability is categorized under CWE-269, which relates to improper privilege management. The CVSS v3.1 score of 9.8 reflects the severity of this issue, indicating that it is remotely exploitable (AV:N), requires no privileges (PR:N), and no user interaction (UI:N), with a scope that remains unchanged (S:U). Successful exploitation can lead to full compromise of confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected device, as attackers can gain elevated permissions and potentially control sensitive system functions or data. Although no known exploits are currently reported in the wild, the critical nature of the vulnerability and the widespread use of HarmonyOS in Huawei devices make it a significant threat vector. The absence of publicly available patches at the time of publication further increases the risk for affected users and organizations relying on these devices.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2022-39007 can be substantial, especially those that utilize Huawei devices running HarmonyOS in their operational environments. The vulnerability enables attackers to bypass permission checks in the location module, potentially allowing unauthorized access to sensitive location data and other privileged system functions. This can lead to data breaches, espionage, and unauthorized surveillance, which are particularly concerning for sectors handling sensitive or regulated data such as government agencies, telecommunications, critical infrastructure, and enterprises with intellectual property concerns. Additionally, privilege escalation can facilitate the deployment of further malware or ransomware, disrupting business continuity and causing financial and reputational damage. Given the criticality and ease of exploitation, organizations may face compliance risks under GDPR and other data protection regulations if personal data is compromised. The threat also extends to consumer devices used by employees, which can serve as entry points into corporate networks if not properly segmented or secured.

To mitigate the risks posed by CVE-2022-39007, European organizations should implement a multi-layered approach: 1) Immediate inventory and identification of all Huawei devices running HarmonyOS versions 2.0 and 2.1 within their environment. 2) Apply any available security updates or patches from Huawei as soon as they are released. In the absence of patches, consider temporary measures such as disabling or restricting access to the location services module where feasible. 3) Employ network segmentation to isolate vulnerable devices from critical infrastructure and sensitive data repositories. 4) Enhance monitoring and logging for unusual activities related to location services and privilege escalations on affected devices. 5) Implement strict access controls and endpoint security solutions that can detect and block exploitation attempts. 6) Educate users about the risks and encourage the use of device-level security features such as app permission management and device encryption. 7) Collaborate with Huawei support channels for timely threat intelligence and remediation guidance. 8) Consider alternative devices or OS platforms for critical roles if patching is delayed or unsupported.