CVE-2025-53172 is a stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability (CWE-121) identified in Huawei's HarmonyOS versions 5.0.1 and 5.1.0. The vulnerability arises during the parsing of vector images when the file preview function is invoked. Specifically, the flaw occurs because the software does not properly validate or limit the size of data being processed in the stack memory during vector image parsing, leading to a potential overflow. This type of vulnerability can cause the application to crash or behave unpredictably due to corruption of the stack, which may be leveraged by an attacker to execute arbitrary code or cause denial of service. However, the CVSS v3.1 base score assigned is 4.0 (medium severity), with the vector indicating local attack vector (AV:L), low attack complexity (AC:L), no privileges required (PR:N), no user interaction (UI:N), unchanged scope (S:U), no impact on confidentiality or integrity (C:N, I:N), and low impact on availability (A:L). This suggests that exploitation requires local access to the device, but no privileges or user interaction, and the primary impact is limited to availability, such as crashing the file preview function. There are no known exploits in the wild at this time, and no patches have been linked yet. The vulnerability is specific to the file preview functionality when handling vector images, which may be a common feature in HarmonyOS devices for viewing files. Given the nature of the vulnerability, it could be used to cause denial of service or potentially be a stepping stone for further exploitation if combined with other vulnerabilities, but on its own, it does not appear to compromise confidentiality or integrity directly.

For European organizations using Huawei HarmonyOS devices, particularly versions 5.0.1 and 5.1.0, this vulnerability could lead to denial of service conditions when previewing vector image files. This could disrupt normal operations, especially in environments where file previewing is frequent or automated. Although the direct impact on confidentiality and integrity is not evident, the availability impact could affect user productivity and system reliability. In sectors where Huawei devices are integrated into critical workflows, such as telecommunications, manufacturing, or government agencies, repeated crashes or instability could have operational consequences. Additionally, if attackers gain local access to devices (e.g., through physical access or compromised local accounts), they could exploit this vulnerability to disrupt services. However, the requirement for local access limits the threat from remote attackers. The lack of known exploits reduces immediate risk, but organizations should remain vigilant as exploit development could emerge. The impact is more pronounced in environments with a high density of HarmonyOS devices or where vector image file previews are common in workflows.

To mitigate CVE-2025-53172, organizations should: 1) Monitor Huawei's official security advisories and promptly apply patches or updates once available, as no patches are currently linked. 2) Limit local access to HarmonyOS devices by enforcing strict physical security controls and user account management to reduce the risk of local exploitation. 3) Implement application whitelisting or sandboxing for file preview functions to contain potential crashes and prevent escalation. 4) Educate users to avoid opening untrusted or suspicious vector image files, especially from unknown sources. 5) Employ endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of detecting abnormal application crashes or behaviors related to file preview processes. 6) Consider network segmentation to isolate devices running HarmonyOS to limit lateral movement in case of exploitation. 7) Conduct regular security assessments and penetration testing focusing on local access vectors and file handling functionalities to identify potential exploitation paths.