CVE-2022-41602 is a security vulnerability identified in Huawei's HarmonyOS version 2.0, specifically within the fingerprint trusted application (TA). The vulnerability encompasses multiple memory safety issues, including heap overflow, out-of-bounds read, and null pointer dereference. These types of vulnerabilities arise when the application improperly manages memory buffers or pointers, leading to potential corruption or unauthorized access to memory regions. In the context of the fingerprint TA, which is responsible for processing biometric data and interfacing with the fingerprint sensor hardware, exploitation could allow an attacker to manipulate or disrupt the fingerprint service. This could result in denial of service, unauthorized fingerprint data access, or potentially bypassing biometric authentication mechanisms. The vulnerability does not currently have a CVSS score assigned, and there are no known exploits in the wild as of the published date. However, given the sensitive nature of biometric authentication and the critical role of the fingerprint TA in device security, this vulnerability poses a significant risk if exploited. The lack of patch links suggests that remediation may not yet be publicly available or widely distributed. The vulnerability was reserved on September 27, 2022, and published on October 14, 2022, indicating recent discovery and disclosure. The absence of detailed CWE identifiers limits precise classification, but the described issues align with common memory corruption weaknesses that can lead to arbitrary code execution or service disruption.

For European organizations, the impact of this vulnerability depends largely on the adoption rate of Huawei devices running HarmonyOS 2.0 within their environment. Organizations using Huawei smartphones or IoT devices with fingerprint authentication could face risks including unauthorized access to sensitive systems or data if biometric authentication is compromised. The fingerprint service disruption could also lead to denial of service scenarios, affecting user productivity and device usability. In sectors with high security requirements such as finance, government, or critical infrastructure, compromised biometric authentication could undermine access controls and data confidentiality. Additionally, if exploited in targeted attacks, this vulnerability could serve as a foothold for further lateral movement within corporate networks. The absence of known exploits reduces immediate risk, but the potential for future exploitation necessitates proactive measures. Privacy regulations in Europe, such as GDPR, also heighten the importance of securing biometric data, making this vulnerability particularly sensitive from a compliance perspective.

European organizations should implement several specific mitigation strategies beyond generic patching advice. First, they should inventory and identify all Huawei devices running HarmonyOS 2.0 within their networks and assess their use of fingerprint authentication. Until patches are available, organizations should consider disabling fingerprint authentication on affected devices to eliminate the attack surface. Employing mobile device management (MDM) solutions can enforce such configuration changes centrally. Monitoring device logs for anomalies related to fingerprint service failures or crashes can provide early detection of exploitation attempts. Organizations should also engage with Huawei or authorized vendors to obtain security updates or patches as soon as they become available. For sensitive environments, consider restricting the use of affected devices or isolating them from critical network segments. Additionally, educating users about the risks and encouraging alternative authentication methods can reduce exposure. Finally, integrating biometric authentication events into security information and event management (SIEM) systems can enhance visibility and incident response capabilities.