CVE-2025-54610 is a medium-severity vulnerability identified in Huawei's HarmonyOS versions 5.1.0 and 5.0.1. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-129, which corresponds to improper validation of array index. Specifically, this flaw exists in the audio codec module of HarmonyOS, where an out-of-bounds access can occur due to insufficient validation of array indices. This type of vulnerability can lead to unexpected behavior such as memory corruption or crashes. In this case, the primary impact is on system availability, as exploitation may cause the audio codec module or the entire system to become unstable or crash, resulting in denial of service conditions. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 5.4, indicating a medium severity level. The vector string CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:L/I:L/A:N shows that the attack can be launched remotely over the network without privileges but requires user interaction. The scope is unchanged, and the impact on confidentiality and integrity is low, with no direct impact on availability according to the vector, though the description suggests availability impact. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, and no patches have been linked yet. The vulnerability arises from improper input validation, a common programming error that can be exploited if an attacker can supply crafted input to the audio codec module, potentially via media files or streaming content that triggers the out-of-bounds access. This could cause the system or audio service to crash, degrading user experience or causing denial of service. Given the nature of the vulnerability, exploitation requires user interaction, such as opening a malicious media file or streaming malicious content. The vulnerability affects HarmonyOS, Huawei's proprietary operating system used primarily on IoT devices, smartphones, and other consumer electronics. The lack of a patch at the time of publication suggests that organizations using affected versions should be vigilant and apply mitigations promptly once available.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-54610 depends largely on the extent of HarmonyOS device deployment within their infrastructure or user base. Huawei devices running HarmonyOS are increasingly present in consumer markets and some enterprise IoT deployments. A successful exploitation could lead to denial of service conditions on affected devices, potentially disrupting communication, multimedia functions, or IoT operations reliant on audio codec functionality. This could degrade service availability, impact user productivity, or interrupt critical processes in environments where HarmonyOS devices are integrated. Although the vulnerability does not directly compromise confidentiality or integrity, the availability impact could be significant in scenarios where audio services are critical, such as in teleconferencing, security systems with audio sensors, or multimedia broadcasting. Furthermore, denial of service conditions could be leveraged as part of broader multi-vector attacks or to distract security teams. The requirement for user interaction limits mass exploitation but targeted attacks against high-value individuals or organizations remain a concern. European organizations should also consider regulatory implications under GDPR if service disruptions affect customer-facing applications or services.

1. Monitor Huawei's official security advisories and apply patches or updates for HarmonyOS as soon as they become available to address CVE-2025-54610. 2. Implement network-level protections such as filtering or sandboxing of media content to prevent malicious or malformed audio files from reaching end devices. 3. Educate users about the risks of opening untrusted media files or streaming content from unknown sources, emphasizing the need for caution to prevent exploitation requiring user interaction. 4. Employ endpoint protection solutions capable of detecting anomalous behavior or crashes related to audio codec processes to enable rapid incident response. 5. For enterprise IoT deployments using HarmonyOS devices, segment these devices on separate network zones with strict access controls to limit exposure. 6. Conduct regular security assessments and penetration testing focusing on media handling components to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities proactively. 7. Maintain comprehensive logging and monitoring of device behavior to detect potential exploitation attempts or denial of service conditions early. 8. Consider temporary disabling or restricting audio codec functionalities in critical environments until patches are applied, if feasible.