Introduction
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-23418 poses a significant risk for users running OpenHarmony versions up to v5.0.2. This vulnerability, which affects the Arkcompiler Ets Runtime, allows a local attacker to initiate a Denial of Service (DoS) attack through an out-of-bounds read, which can disrupt service availability.
Vulnerability Details
The CVE-2025-23418 exposure arises due to an out-of-bounds read in OpenHarmony. When exploited, this vulnerability can enable a local attacker with low privileges to compromise the availability of the system. Fortunately, this flaw does not impact the confidentiality or integrity of information. Despite its seemingly low base severity score of 3.3 under the CVSS 3.1 framework, a DOS attack can significantly disrupt the operations of systems relying on OpenHarmony.
Key characteristics of this vulnerability include:
- Attack Vector: Local
- Attack Complexity: Low
- Privileges Required: Low
- User Interaction: None
- Scope: Unchanged
Impact and Severity
The main impact of CVE-2025-23418 lies in the potential for a DoS attack, categorized under CWE-125: Out-of-bounds Read. Although the severity is classified as low, the disruption of system availability can have serious implications for users and enterprises relying on OpenHarmony for critical operations.
Mitigation Strategies
To mitigate the risks posed by CVE-2025-23418, consider the following strategies:
- Update to a Secure Version: Ensure all systems running OpenHarmony are upgraded to the latest stable release beyond version v5.0.2. Regularly check for updates and patches provided by OpenHarmony to address any vulnerabilities.
- Access Control Measures: Implement strict user access controls to minimize the risk of exploitation by limiting the number of users with local access privileges.
- Monitor System Behavior: Enable monitoring tools to detect and alert on unusual system behaviors indicative of a potential DOS attack, allowing for swift remedial actions.
- Security Training: Provide comprehensive training for IT staff to recognize areas of potential vulnerability and the importance of promptly applying security patches.
Conclusion
While CVE-2025-23418 is classified with low severity, addressing this vulnerability in OpenHarmony is crucial to preventing DoS attacks and maintaining system availability. By staying informed about vulnerabilities and implementing proactive security measures, organizations can safeguard their systems against potential disruptions and maintain smooth operations.
For further details, refer to the official disclosure at OpenHarmony Security Disclosure.