CVE-2025-27563 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, enabling unauthorized access to certain information that should be protected. The vulnerability requires local access and low privileges (PR:L), does not require user interaction (UI:N), and has a low attack complexity (AC:L). The CVSS v3.1 base score is 3.3, indicating a low severity level. The impact is limited to confidentiality (C:L) with no effect on integrity or availability. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, and no patches have been linked yet. The vulnerability's scope is unchanged (S:U), meaning it affects only the local component where the vulnerability exists without impacting other components or systems. This vulnerability is significant in contexts where sensitive information is stored or managed by OpenHarmony devices, as unauthorized local users could potentially access data they should not have permission to view. Given OpenHarmony's role as an open-source operating system designed for IoT and smart devices, this flaw could expose sensitive device or user information if exploited locally.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-27563 is primarily related to confidentiality breaches on devices running vulnerable versions of OpenHarmony. Since OpenHarmony is targeted at IoT and embedded systems, organizations utilizing such devices for industrial control, smart building management, or consumer electronics could face unauthorized information disclosure risks. Although the vulnerability requires local access, in environments where devices are physically accessible or where attackers have gained limited local access (e.g., through compromised user accounts or insider threats), sensitive data could be exposed. This could lead to privacy violations, leakage of operational data, or exposure of proprietary information. The low severity and lack of integrity or availability impact reduce the risk of broader operational disruption. However, in sectors with strict data protection regulations such as GDPR, even low-level information leaks can have compliance and reputational consequences. The absence of known exploits reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the need for vigilance, especially in high-security environments.

To mitigate CVE-2025-27563, European organizations should: 1) Identify and inventory all devices running OpenHarmony, particularly versions 5.0.3 and earlier, focusing on version 5.0.1 as explicitly affected. 2) Monitor for official patches or updates from the OpenHarmony project and apply them promptly once available. 3) Restrict physical and local access to devices running OpenHarmony to trusted personnel only, implementing strict access controls and logging. 4) Employ device hardening measures such as disabling unnecessary services and enforcing strong authentication mechanisms to reduce the risk of local exploitation. 5) Conduct regular security audits and permission reviews on OpenHarmony devices to detect and remediate improper permission configurations. 6) Where possible, segment IoT and embedded devices from critical network infrastructure to limit potential lateral movement if a device is compromised. 7) Educate staff about the risks of local access vulnerabilities and enforce policies to prevent unauthorized device access. These steps go beyond generic advice by focusing on the specific nature of the vulnerability (local access, permission preservation) and the operational context of OpenHarmony devices.