CVE-2025-31171 is a vulnerability identified in Huawei's HarmonyOS version 5.0.0, specifically within the kernel file system module. The flaw is categorized under CWE-200, which relates to the exposure of sensitive information to unauthorized actors. Technically, this vulnerability allows an attacker to bypass file read permissions, enabling unauthorized access to sensitive data stored on the device. The kernel file system module is a critical component responsible for managing file operations and enforcing access controls. A bypass in this module means that the normal security checks that prevent unauthorized file reads can be circumvented. The CVSS 3.1 base score for this vulnerability is 6.8, indicating a medium severity level. The vector string (CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:L/A:N) reveals that exploitation requires local access (AV:L), has low attack complexity (AC:L), does not require privileges (PR:N) or user interaction (UI:N), and impacts confidentiality highly (C:H), with limited integrity impact (I:L) and no impact on availability (A:N). This means an attacker with local access to the device can read sensitive files without needing elevated privileges or user interaction, potentially leaking confidential information. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, and no patches have been linked yet, indicating that mitigation may rely on vendor updates or workarounds. Given the kernel-level nature of the vulnerability, it could affect a broad range of applications and services relying on the operating system's file system security, potentially exposing user data, credentials, or system configuration files.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-31171 can be significant, especially for those deploying Huawei HarmonyOS devices in their infrastructure or employee mobile devices. The exposure of sensitive information can lead to data breaches, intellectual property theft, or leakage of confidential communications. Since the vulnerability requires local access, the threat is more pronounced in environments where devices are physically accessible by untrusted individuals or where malware can gain local execution capabilities. Industries handling sensitive personal data, such as finance, healthcare, and government sectors, could face compliance risks under GDPR if unauthorized data exposure occurs. Additionally, the integrity impact, while limited, could allow attackers to glean information that facilitates further attacks or social engineering. The absence of required privileges or user interaction lowers the barrier for exploitation once local access is achieved, increasing risk in shared or less secure environments. The lack of known exploits suggests the threat is currently theoretical but should be addressed proactively to prevent future exploitation.

To mitigate CVE-2025-31171 effectively, European organizations should: 1) Inventory and identify all devices running Huawei HarmonyOS 5.0.0 within their environment. 2) Restrict physical access to devices to trusted personnel only, employing secure storage and device management policies. 3) Implement endpoint security solutions capable of detecting and preventing unauthorized local access or suspicious file system activities. 4) Monitor for unusual file access patterns or attempts to bypass file permissions on HarmonyOS devices. 5) Engage with Huawei for timely patches or security advisories and apply updates as soon as they become available. 6) Consider deploying mobile device management (MDM) solutions that enforce strict access controls and can remotely wipe or lock devices if compromised. 7) Educate users about the risks of installing untrusted applications or connecting devices to insecure networks, which could facilitate local access by attackers. 8) Where possible, segment networks to limit the ability of compromised devices to access sensitive organizational resources. These steps go beyond generic advice by focusing on device-specific controls, proactive monitoring, and vendor engagement.