CVE-2025-26693 is a vulnerability identified in OpenHarmony version 5.0.3 and earlier, specifically affecting version 5.0.1 as noted. The issue is classified under CWE-281, which pertains to improper preservation of permissions. This vulnerability allows a local attacker to cause an information leak by exploiting the 'get permission' functionality. Essentially, the system fails to correctly enforce or preserve permission constraints when retrieving permissions, enabling unauthorized access to sensitive information. The vulnerability requires local access with low privileges (PR:L) and does not require user interaction (UI:N). The attack vector is local (AV:L), meaning the attacker must have some form of local access to the device or system running OpenHarmony. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 3.3, indicating a low severity level, primarily due to limited impact on confidentiality (only partial information leak), no impact on integrity or availability, and the requirement for local access with low privileges. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, and no patches have been linked yet. OpenHarmony is an open-source operating system designed for IoT devices and smart terminals, which means this vulnerability could affect a wide range of embedded and connected devices running this OS. The improper permission preservation could lead to leakage of sensitive configuration or user data accessible via permission queries, potentially aiding further attacks or privacy violations if exploited.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-26693 is relatively limited but should not be dismissed. Since the vulnerability requires local access, it primarily threatens environments where attackers can gain physical or local network access to devices running OpenHarmony. European enterprises deploying IoT devices, smart home systems, or industrial control systems based on OpenHarmony could face risks of sensitive information leakage, which may include configuration details, user permissions, or other data that could facilitate further exploitation or lateral movement within networks. Although the direct confidentiality impact is low, the leak could assist attackers in reconnaissance or privilege escalation attempts. In sectors such as manufacturing, healthcare, or critical infrastructure where IoT devices are increasingly integrated, even low-severity leaks can contribute to broader security incidents. Additionally, privacy regulations like GDPR impose strict requirements on protecting personal data, so any leakage—even limited—could have compliance implications. The absence of known exploits and the low CVSS score suggest this is not an immediate high-risk threat but warrants attention in security assessments and patch management strategies.

To mitigate CVE-2025-26693 effectively, European organizations should: 1) Identify and inventory all devices running OpenHarmony, especially version 5.0.3 and earlier, focusing on version 5.0.1. 2) Restrict local access to these devices by enforcing strong physical security controls and network segmentation to limit exposure to untrusted users. 3) Monitor and audit permission-related API calls and access logs on OpenHarmony devices to detect unusual permission queries or information access patterns. 4) Engage with OpenHarmony vendor or community channels to obtain patches or updates addressing this vulnerability as soon as they become available, and prioritize timely deployment. 5) Implement strict access control policies and consider additional endpoint protection solutions on devices where feasible. 6) Educate staff about the risks of local access and the importance of securing IoT devices physically and logically. 7) For critical environments, consider compensating controls such as device hardening, disabling unnecessary services, or isolating vulnerable devices from sensitive networks until patched.