CVE-2025-53171 is a medium-severity stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability (CWE-121) identified in Huawei's HarmonyOS versions 5.1.0 and 5.0.1. The vulnerability arises during the parsing of vector images in the file preview function. Specifically, when the system processes vector image files for preview, improper handling of input data can cause a stack overflow, potentially leading to application crashes or denial of service. The vulnerability does not require user interaction or privileges to exploit, but it is limited to local attack vectors (AV:L), meaning an attacker must have local access to the device. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 4.0, reflecting a low impact on confidentiality and integrity but a potential impact on availability due to application or system instability. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, and no patches have been published yet. The vulnerability could be leveraged by an attacker to disrupt the file preview functionality, possibly causing denial of service or triggering unexpected behavior in affected HarmonyOS devices. Given the nature of stack-based buffer overflows, there is a theoretical risk that more severe exploitation, such as arbitrary code execution, could be possible if combined with other vulnerabilities or under specific conditions, but this is not indicated in the current information.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-53171 is primarily related to the availability and stability of devices running affected versions of Huawei HarmonyOS. Since HarmonyOS is deployed mainly on Huawei's IoT devices, smartphones, and embedded systems, organizations using these devices for critical operations could experience service interruptions or device crashes when previewing vector image files. The vulnerability does not compromise confidentiality or integrity directly, reducing the risk of data breaches. However, denial of service conditions could disrupt workflows, especially in sectors relying on Huawei hardware for communication or operational technology. The lack of remote exploitability limits the threat to scenarios where an attacker has local access, which may reduce the risk in enterprise environments with strict physical security. Nonetheless, organizations should be aware of potential insider threats or scenarios where malicious files could be introduced locally. The absence of known exploits and patches suggests a window of exposure, emphasizing the need for proactive risk management.

1. Restrict local access to devices running affected HarmonyOS versions to trusted personnel only, minimizing the risk of local exploitation. 2. Implement strict file handling policies to prevent untrusted or suspicious vector image files from being opened or previewed on affected devices. 3. Monitor device logs and behavior for signs of crashes or abnormal activity related to file preview operations. 4. Engage with Huawei support channels to obtain timely patches or updates addressing this vulnerability once available. 5. Consider deploying application whitelisting or sandboxing techniques for file preview functions to contain potential exploitation effects. 6. Educate users and administrators about the risks of opening unverified vector image files on HarmonyOS devices. 7. For critical environments, evaluate the feasibility of temporarily disabling file preview features or using alternative devices until patches are released.