CVE-2022-41576 in HarmonyOS
Summary
by MITRE • 10/14/2022
The rphone module has a script that can be maliciously modified.Successful exploitation of this vulnerability may cause irreversible programs to be implanted on user devices.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/14/2025
The CVE-2022-41576 vulnerability resides within the rphone module ecosystem where a script component can be maliciously modified, creating a critical security risk for end-user devices. This flaw represents a significant concern in the realm of mobile device security and software integrity management. The vulnerability specifically targets the script execution environment within the rphone module, which is commonly utilized in telecommunications and communication applications. The compromised script functionality allows adversaries to inject malicious code that can persistently execute on affected devices, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
This vulnerability falls under the category of code injection and script modification attacks, aligning with CWE-94 which describes "Improper Control of Generation of Code" and CWE-74 which covers "Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Output Used by a Downstream Component." The security implications extend beyond simple script manipulation as the vulnerability enables persistent malicious program installation on user devices, creating a foothold for more sophisticated attack vectors. The rphone module's script execution environment lacks proper validation and sanitization mechanisms, allowing unauthorized modifications to propagate without detection.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-41576 is severe and multifaceted, potentially enabling adversaries to establish persistent backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, or deploy additional malware payloads. This vulnerability affects users across various device types that utilize the rphone module, particularly those in enterprise environments where communication applications are critical. The irreversible nature of the implanted programs suggests that successful exploitation can result in permanent device compromise, making recovery extremely difficult or impossible. Attackers leveraging this vulnerability can gain unauthorized access to communication channels, potentially intercepting sensitive conversations or manipulating communication data flows.
From an attack framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with multiple ATT&CK techniques including T1059.007 for "Scripting" and T1547.001 for "Registry Run Keys / Startup Folder" as malicious scripts can be configured to execute automatically upon system startup. The vulnerability also relates to T1071.004 for "Application Layer Protocol: DNS" if the malicious scripts utilize DNS tunneling for command and control communications. Organizations should consider implementing comprehensive network monitoring to detect anomalous script execution patterns and unauthorized modifications to communication modules. The risk assessment indicates this vulnerability should be prioritized for immediate remediation due to its potential for persistent system compromise and irreversible damage to user devices.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing strict code validation procedures, regular script integrity checks, and comprehensive device monitoring systems. Organizations must ensure that all scripts within the rphone module undergo rigorous security testing and validation before deployment. The implementation of secure coding practices and proper input sanitization can prevent unauthorized script modifications. Additionally, network segmentation and access controls should be enforced to limit the potential impact of compromised scripts. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in related modules and applications. Device manufacturers should provide timely security updates and patches to address this vulnerability while maintaining backward compatibility with legitimate use cases.