CVE-2025-58311 Overview
CVE-2025-58311 is a use-after-free (UAF) vulnerability [CWE-416] in the USB driver module of Huawei EMUI and HarmonyOS. A local attacker with low privileges can trigger the flaw to affect device availability and confidentiality. The issue was disclosed in the Huawei November 2025 security bulletin and impacts multiple EMUI and HarmonyOS releases.
Critical Impact
Successful exploitation allows a local, low-privileged attacker to read sensitive kernel memory and crash the device, undermining confidentiality and availability on affected Huawei handsets.
Affected Products
- Huawei EMUI 14.0.0, 14.2.0, 15.0.0
- Huawei HarmonyOS 4.0.0, 4.2.0, 4.3.0, 4.3.1
- Huawei HarmonyOS 5.0.1, 5.1.0
Discovery Timeline
- 2025-11-28 - CVE-2025-58311 published to NVD
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-58311
Vulnerability Analysis
The flaw resides in the USB driver module of Huawei's mobile operating systems. A use-after-free condition arises when the driver continues to reference a kernel object after that object has been released. When an attacker races the free operation and re-triggers use of the stale pointer, the kernel dereferences memory that may already be reallocated for another purpose.
Exploitation requires local access and low privileges but no user interaction. Because USB driver code executes in kernel context, a successful exploit can leak kernel memory contents or destabilize the running kernel. The advisory limits confirmed impact to confidentiality and availability, indicating information disclosure and denial of service rather than direct code execution.
Root Cause
The vulnerability is a classic [CWE-416] Use After Free. USB driver code paths release an object without invalidating all outstanding references. Subsequent operations dereference the freed pointer, producing undefined behavior in the kernel. Race windows between object destruction and continued use in concurrent driver handlers create the exploitable condition.
Attack Vector
An attacker must have local code execution on the device, for example via an installed app or an adb-connected shell. The attacker then issues crafted USB-related ioctl or device operations that race the driver's free path. No user interaction and no additional privilege beyond a standard app context is required. Huawei has not published exploit details, and no public proof-of-concept is available.
Code analysis is not possible because no verified exploit or patch code has been released. Refer to the Huawei Security Bulletin for vendor technical guidance.
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-58311
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected kernel panics or reboots on Huawei devices during or after USB activity.
- Kernel log entries referencing the USB driver module, slab corruption, or KASAN use-after-free reports.
- Unauthorized third-party applications invoking USB-related system calls or ioctls at abnormal frequency.
Detection Strategies
- Monitor mobile device management (MDM) telemetry for Huawei devices running vulnerable EMUI and HarmonyOS builds listed in the advisory.
- Correlate crash dumps and dmesg output that reference USB subsystem faults with the installation of untrusted applications.
- Track application install events for apps requesting USB host, accessory, or debugging permissions on managed fleets.
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enforce MDM compliance checks that flag devices running EMUI or HarmonyOS versions covered by the November 2025 Huawei bulletin.
- Alert on repeated device reboots or kernel crashes reported through enterprise mobility platforms.
- Restrict sideloading and require attestation of installed app inventory on managed handsets.
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-58311
Immediate Actions Required
- Apply the security update referenced in the November 2025 Huawei bulletin to all affected EMUI and HarmonyOS devices.
- Inventory managed Huawei devices and identify installations still on EMUI 14.0.0, 14.2.0, 15.0.0 or HarmonyOS 4.0.0 through 5.1.0.
- Remove untrusted third-party applications and disable USB debugging on devices that cannot be patched immediately.
Patch Information
Huawei addressed CVE-2025-58311 in its November 2025 security update. Consult the Huawei Security Bulletin for the exact patch level applicable to each device model and confirm the installed build reflects the November 2025 or later patch date.
Workarounds
- Disable USB debugging and set USB mode to charge-only when the device is connected to untrusted hosts.
- Restrict application installation to vetted enterprise or vendor app stores through MDM policy.
- Prevent physical access to devices by unauthorized users until the patch is deployed.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
