CVE-2025-64315 Overview
CVE-2025-64315 is a configuration defect vulnerability in the file management module of Huawei HarmonyOS 5.1.0. The flaw stems from improper access control configuration [CWE-264], allowing a local attacker with low privileges to affect application data confidentiality and integrity. Huawei disclosed the issue in the November 2025 laptop security bulletin.
Successful exploitation requires local access and low-level privileges but no user interaction. The vulnerability impacts confidentiality and integrity of app data without affecting availability.
Critical Impact
A local low-privileged attacker can read and modify protected application data on affected HarmonyOS devices, undermining app data confidentiality and integrity.
Affected Products
- Huawei HarmonyOS 5.1.0
- Huawei devices running the affected file management module
- Huawei laptops covered by the November 2025 security bulletin
Discovery Timeline
- 2025-11-28 - CVE-2025-64315 published to NVD
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-64315
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability resides in the file management module of HarmonyOS 5.1.0. The module ships with a misconfiguration that fails to enforce proper access controls on protected file operations. A local attacker running low-privileged code on the device can leverage this defect to reach data that should be restricted to higher-privileged components or other applications.
Huawei classifies the issue under [CWE-264] (Permissions, Privileges, and Access Controls). Exploitation impacts both confidentiality and integrity of app data because the attacker can read protected content and modify it. Availability is not affected, according to the published vector.
The attack surface is limited to the local device. Remote exploitation is not possible without prior code execution or an initial foothold on the target.
Root Cause
The root cause is a configuration defect in the file management module rather than a memory-safety flaw. Access control settings applied to file operations do not adequately isolate application data across trust boundaries. As a result, code executing with limited privileges obtains access paths that should be denied.
Attack Vector
An attacker requires local access and existing low-privileged execution on the HarmonyOS device, typically through a malicious or compromised application. Using standard file management interfaces exposed by the affected module, the attacker interacts with protected files belonging to other apps. No user interaction is required to trigger the defect.
No public proof-of-concept, exploit code, or CISA KEV listing is currently associated with this CVE. See the Huawei Laptop Security Bulletin for vendor technical details.
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-64315
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected read or write access to another application's private data directories by a low-privileged process.
- Installed applications requesting or invoking file management APIs outside their declared functionality.
- Anomalous file access patterns originating from third-party apps shortly after installation or update.
Detection Strategies
- Inventory HarmonyOS devices and identify systems running version 5.1.0 to scope exposure.
- Review application permission grants for the file management module and flag apps with unnecessary access.
- Correlate device telemetry with the affected component listed in the Huawei bulletin to identify unpatched endpoints.
Monitoring Recommendations
- Monitor endpoint logs for cross-application file access attempts that bypass normal sandboxing boundaries.
- Track installation of untrusted or sideloaded applications on HarmonyOS devices in managed fleets.
- Alert on process behaviors consistent with data exfiltration from app-private storage locations.
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-64315
Immediate Actions Required
- Apply the HarmonyOS security update referenced in the November 2025 Huawei laptop security bulletin as soon as it is available for your device model.
- Restrict installation of untrusted applications on HarmonyOS 5.1.0 devices until patching is complete.
- Audit installed applications and remove any that are unnecessary or exhibit excessive file access behavior.
Patch Information
Huawei published remediation guidance in the Huawei Laptop Security Bulletin for November 2025. Administrators should install the vendor-provided update for HarmonyOS 5.1.0 through standard system update channels. Confirm patch application by validating the post-update build version against Huawei's advisory.
Workarounds
- Limit device use to trusted, first-party applications until the vendor patch is applied.
- Enforce mobile device management policies that block sideloading and restrict permission grants to the file management module.
- Isolate sensitive workloads from HarmonyOS 5.1.0 devices that cannot be updated promptly.
# Configuration example
# Verify HarmonyOS build version after applying the Huawei November 2025 update
settings get system build_version
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
