CVE-2025-58309 is a permission control vulnerability classified under CWE-264 affecting the startup recovery module of Huawei's HarmonyOS. This vulnerability arises from improper enforcement of permissions during the recovery process, allowing unauthorized access to recovery functionalities. The startup recovery module is critical for restoring system functionality after failures, and improper permission controls here can be exploited to interfere with system availability or leak sensitive information. The vulnerability affects HarmonyOS versions 5.0.1, 5.1.0, and 6.0.0. According to the CVSS v3.1 vector (AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:L/I:N/A:H), the attack requires local access but no privileges or user interaction, making it moderately accessible to attackers with physical or local system access. The impact includes partial confidentiality loss and significant availability disruption, potentially causing device malfunction or denial of service during recovery operations. No public exploits have been reported yet, and no patches have been linked, indicating the need for vigilance and prompt patching once available. The vulnerability's presence in a core OS component used in Huawei devices globally, including those deployed in European enterprises and infrastructure, raises concerns about operational stability and data protection.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses risks primarily to availability and confidentiality of Huawei devices running affected HarmonyOS versions. Disruption of the startup recovery module can lead to device unavailability, impacting business continuity, especially in environments relying on Huawei hardware for critical communications or IoT deployments. Confidentiality impact, while limited, could expose sensitive recovery data or system states, potentially aiding further attacks or data leakage. Given Huawei's significant market share in telecommunications and consumer devices in Europe, organizations using these devices in enterprise or industrial contexts may face operational disruptions. The lack of required privileges or user interaction lowers the barrier for exploitation by insiders or attackers with local access, such as through physical access or compromised internal networks. This could affect sectors like telecommunications, manufacturing, and public services where Huawei devices are integrated. The medium severity suggests a moderate but tangible threat that requires proactive management to avoid service interruptions and data exposure.

1. Huawei should prioritize releasing security patches for the affected HarmonyOS versions and communicate clear update instructions to users and organizations. 2. Organizations should implement strict physical security controls to limit local access to devices running HarmonyOS, reducing the risk of local exploitation. 3. Deploy device management solutions that can enforce security policies, monitor device health, and remotely apply updates promptly. 4. Conduct regular audits of devices to verify OS versions and patch levels, ensuring no vulnerable versions remain in operation. 5. Segment networks to isolate Huawei devices, limiting lateral movement opportunities if a device is compromised. 6. Educate staff about the risks of local access vulnerabilities and enforce policies restricting unauthorized device access. 7. Monitor system logs and recovery module activities for unusual behavior indicative of exploitation attempts. 8. Consider alternative devices or OS platforms for critical infrastructure where feasible, to reduce dependency on vulnerable systems until patches are available.