CVE-2022-44550 is a use-after-free (UAF) vulnerability identified in the graphics display module of Huawei's HarmonyOS versions 2.0 and 2.1. The vulnerability arises during the traversal of graphic layers, where the system improperly manages memory, leading to a use-after-free condition (CWE-416). This flaw allows an attacker to reference memory after it has been freed, potentially causing system instability or crashes. The vulnerability has a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.5, indicating high severity. The vector details (AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H) show that the vulnerability is remotely exploitable over the network without requiring privileges or user interaction, and it impacts system availability but not confidentiality or integrity. Exploitation could result in denial-of-service (DoS) conditions by crashing or destabilizing the device's graphical subsystem. Although no known exploits are currently reported in the wild, the ease of exploitation and the critical nature of the graphics subsystem make this a significant threat. The absence of patch links suggests that fixes may not yet be publicly available or widely distributed, increasing the urgency for affected users to monitor for updates. Given the centrality of the graphics module to user experience and system operation, successful exploitation could render devices unresponsive or require rebooting, impacting device usability and reliability.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2022-44550 depends largely on the adoption of Huawei HarmonyOS devices within their operational environment. While HarmonyOS is primarily deployed on Huawei consumer devices such as smartphones, tablets, and IoT devices, some enterprises may use Huawei hardware for specialized applications or in supply chains. A successful exploitation could lead to denial-of-service conditions on affected devices, disrupting business operations that rely on these devices for communication, monitoring, or control. In sectors where device availability is critical—such as manufacturing, logistics, or telecommunications—this could cause operational delays or outages. Additionally, the inability to use devices reliably may increase support costs and reduce workforce productivity. Although the vulnerability does not compromise data confidentiality or integrity, the loss of availability can indirectly affect business continuity and service delivery. The lack of known exploits reduces immediate risk, but the high severity and ease of exploitation warrant proactive mitigation, especially in environments where HarmonyOS devices are integrated.

Given the absence of publicly available patches, European organizations should implement a multi-layered mitigation approach. First, inventory all Huawei HarmonyOS devices (versions 2.0 and 2.1) within the organization to assess exposure. Limit network exposure of these devices by segmenting them into isolated network zones and applying strict firewall rules to restrict unnecessary inbound traffic, reducing the attack surface. Employ network monitoring to detect anomalous traffic patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts targeting the graphics subsystem. Encourage users to avoid installing untrusted applications or opening suspicious content that might trigger the vulnerability. Maintain close communication with Huawei for timely updates and patches, and plan for rapid deployment once fixes become available. Where possible, consider upgrading to newer HarmonyOS versions that may have addressed this vulnerability. For critical environments, evaluate the feasibility of temporarily replacing affected devices with alternatives until patches are applied. Finally, implement robust incident response plans to quickly identify and remediate any exploitation attempts.