CVE-2025-68963 identifies a vulnerability in Huawei HarmonyOS version 4.3.1 related to weak password requirements in the Clone module, classified under CWE-521. The Clone module facilitates device or service duplication processes, and its weak password enforcement allows attackers to perform man-in-the-middle (MitM) attacks. In such an attack, an adversary intercepts communications between two parties without their knowledge, potentially capturing sensitive information. The vulnerability does not affect the integrity or availability of the service but compromises confidentiality by exposing data transmitted during cloning operations. The CVSS 3.1 vector (AV:A/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N) indicates that the attack requires adjacent network access, low attack complexity, no privileges, and some user interaction, with a high impact on confidentiality only. No known exploits have been reported, and no official patches are currently available. The weakness stems from insufficient password complexity enforcement, which facilitates the MitM attack by making it easier for attackers to guess or bypass authentication mechanisms in the Clone module. This vulnerability highlights the risks of inadequate authentication controls in critical system components, especially in IoT and mobile operating systems like HarmonyOS.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a confidentiality risk, particularly for those using Huawei HarmonyOS devices in their infrastructure or consumer products. Sensitive data transmitted during device cloning or synchronization could be intercepted by attackers positioned on the same or adjacent network segments. This could lead to exposure of proprietary information, user credentials, or configuration data, potentially facilitating further attacks or espionage. Sectors such as telecommunications, government, and critical infrastructure that rely on Huawei technology may face increased risk. Although the vulnerability does not directly affect system integrity or availability, the breach of confidentiality could undermine trust and compliance with data protection regulations such as GDPR. The requirement for adjacent network access and user interaction limits the attack surface but does not eliminate risk, especially in environments with shared or poorly segmented networks.

To mitigate this vulnerability, organizations should implement the following measures: 1) Enforce strong password policies specifically for the Clone module, ensuring complexity and length requirements to prevent easy guessing or brute force attacks. 2) Apply network segmentation and isolation to restrict access to the Clone module communications, limiting exposure to trusted devices and users only. 3) Monitor network traffic for signs of man-in-the-middle attacks, such as unexpected certificate changes or anomalous communication patterns. 4) Educate users to recognize and avoid suspicious prompts or interactions related to device cloning processes. 5) Coordinate with Huawei for timely updates or patches addressing this vulnerability and prioritize their deployment once available. 6) Consider disabling or restricting the Clone module functionality if not essential to reduce the attack surface. 7) Employ endpoint security solutions capable of detecting and blocking MitM attempts on local networks. These targeted actions go beyond generic advice by focusing on the specific module and attack vector involved.