CVE-2025-54609 is an out-of-bounds read vulnerability identified in the audio codec module of Huawei's HarmonyOS versions 5.0.1 and 5.1.0. This vulnerability is classified under CWE-125, which involves reading data outside the bounds of allocated memory buffers. Specifically, the flaw allows an attacker to cause the system to access memory beyond the intended limits when processing audio codec data. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 5.4 (medium severity), with the vector indicating network attack vector (AV:N), low attack complexity (AC:L), no privileges required (PR:N), but requiring user interaction (UI:R). The scope is unchanged (S:U), and the impact affects confidentiality and integrity slightly (C:L/I:L), with no impact on availability (A:N) according to the CVSS vector. However, the vulnerability description mentions potential impact on availability, which may indicate some discrepancy or that availability impact is limited or conditional. No known exploits are reported in the wild, and no patches have been linked yet. The vulnerability could be triggered remotely over the network without authentication but requires user interaction, such as opening a crafted audio file or receiving a malicious audio stream. The out-of-bounds read could lead to information disclosure or system instability, potentially causing crashes or denial of service. Given the involvement of the audio codec module, the attack surface includes any functionality that processes audio data, such as media playback, voice calls, or audio streaming on devices running affected HarmonyOS versions.

For European organizations, the impact of this vulnerability depends largely on the adoption of Huawei HarmonyOS devices within their infrastructure or user base. HarmonyOS is primarily deployed on Huawei smartphones, IoT devices, and smart home products. Organizations using Huawei devices for communication, collaboration, or IoT management could face risks of service disruption or data leakage through exploitation of this vulnerability. Although the CVSS score suggests medium severity with limited confidentiality and integrity impact, the possibility of availability impact (e.g., crashes or denial of service) could disrupt business operations, especially in environments relying on real-time audio communication or critical IoT functions. Furthermore, the requirement for user interaction implies that phishing or social engineering could be used to trigger the exploit, increasing the risk in environments with less user security awareness. The absence of known exploits in the wild currently reduces immediate risk, but the vulnerability should be addressed proactively to prevent future exploitation. Additionally, European organizations involved in telecommunications, smart city infrastructure, or critical services using Huawei hardware may face heightened risks due to the strategic importance of these sectors.

1. Monitor Huawei's official security advisories and promptly apply patches or updates once available for HarmonyOS versions 5.0.1 and 5.1.0. 2. Implement network-level controls to restrict or monitor incoming audio streams from untrusted sources, reducing exposure to crafted malicious audio data. 3. Educate users about the risks of opening unsolicited or suspicious audio files or streams, emphasizing caution with user interaction that could trigger the vulnerability. 4. Employ endpoint protection solutions capable of detecting anomalous behavior related to audio processing or memory access violations on Huawei devices. 5. For organizations deploying HarmonyOS devices in critical environments, consider segmenting these devices on separate network zones to limit potential lateral movement or impact. 6. Conduct regular security assessments and penetration testing focusing on audio processing components to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities proactively. 7. If feasible, temporarily disable or restrict audio codec functionalities that are not essential until patches are applied, minimizing the attack surface.