CVE-2025-27132 is a vulnerability identified in OpenHarmony versions 5.0.3 and prior, specifically affecting version 4.1.0 as noted. The vulnerability is classified as CWE-787, which corresponds to an out-of-bounds write error. This type of vulnerability occurs when a program writes data outside the boundaries of allocated memory buffers, potentially leading to memory corruption. In this case, the flaw exists in pre-installed applications within the OpenHarmony operating system, allowing a local attacker with limited privileges (PR:L) to execute arbitrary code. The attack vector requires local access, and no user interaction is needed to exploit the vulnerability. The vulnerability has a CVSS v3.1 base score of 3.8, indicating a low severity level. The CVSS vector (AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:N/I:N/A:L) highlights that the attack requires local access with low complexity, privileges are required but no user interaction is necessary, and the scope is changed, meaning the vulnerability can affect resources beyond the initially vulnerable component. The impact is limited to availability (A:L), with no direct confidentiality or integrity impact. Exploitation scenarios are restricted, likely due to the need for local access and specific conditions within pre-installed apps. No known exploits are reported in the wild, and no patches are currently linked, suggesting that remediation may still be pending or in progress. The vulnerability was reserved in early March 2025 and published in May 2025, indicating recent discovery and disclosure. Overall, this vulnerability represents a local privilege escalation or denial-of-service risk through memory corruption in OpenHarmony's pre-installed applications, but with limited impact and exploitation scope.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-27132 depends largely on the adoption and deployment of OpenHarmony-based devices within their infrastructure. OpenHarmony is an open-source operating system primarily targeting IoT devices and embedded systems. If European enterprises or critical infrastructure utilize devices running vulnerable OpenHarmony versions, this vulnerability could allow local attackers to disrupt availability or potentially execute arbitrary code within pre-installed apps. However, the requirement for local access and limited exploitation scenarios reduce the risk of widespread remote attacks. The vulnerability could impact operational continuity if exploited on critical IoT devices, especially in sectors like manufacturing, smart cities, or healthcare where embedded systems are prevalent. Additionally, the changed scope (S:C) indicates that the vulnerability may affect components beyond the initially vulnerable app, potentially leading to broader system instability. Given the low CVSS score and absence of known exploits, the immediate risk is low, but organizations should remain vigilant, especially those with IoT deployments or supply chains involving OpenHarmony devices. Failure to address this vulnerability could lead to denial-of-service conditions or limited code execution by insiders or attackers with physical or local network access.

1. Inventory and Assess: European organizations should identify all devices and systems running OpenHarmony, particularly versions 5.0.3 and earlier, focusing on version 4.1.0 as explicitly affected. 2. Apply Updates: Monitor OpenHarmony vendor channels for patches or updates addressing CVE-2025-27132 and apply them promptly once available. 3. Restrict Local Access: Since exploitation requires local access, enforce strict physical and network access controls to limit who can interact with vulnerable devices. 4. Harden Pre-installed Apps: Review and harden the security configurations of pre-installed applications on OpenHarmony devices, minimizing unnecessary privileges and exposure. 5. Monitor for Anomalies: Implement monitoring solutions to detect unusual behavior or crashes in OpenHarmony devices that could indicate exploitation attempts. 6. Network Segmentation: Isolate IoT and embedded devices running OpenHarmony from critical networks to reduce the impact of potential exploitation. 7. Vendor Engagement: Engage with device manufacturers and OpenHarmony maintainers to obtain security advisories and ensure timely patch deployment. 8. Incident Response Preparedness: Develop and test incident response plans specific to IoT and embedded device compromise scenarios.