CVE-2022-42488 Missing authorization in OpenHarmony

High 8.4 Published 14 Oct 2022 Updated 14 May 2025

A malicious application can bypass permission checks in the startup subsystem to gain root privileges or disable security services.

Exploited in the wild: Not known
Login needed: Not needed
Attackable: Local or same network only
Victim action needed: Not needed
Fix: None listed

What is CVE-2022-42488?

CVE-2022-42488 is a high-severity missing authorization vulnerability in OpenHarmony, published on 14 Oct 2022. It can only be exploited from the same machine or local network, with no action from the victim.

Official description

OpenHarmony-v3.1.2 and prior versions have a Missing permission validation vulnerability in param service of startup subsystem. An malicious application installed on the device could elevate its privileges to the root user, disable security features, or cause DoS by disabling particular services.

Weakness: CWE-862, CWE-287

Which versions are affected by CVE-2022-42488?

It affects 1 product.

Products include Openharmony Openharmony.

How do I fix CVE-2022-42488?

No fix has been published for CVE-2022-42488 yet. Limit exposure of the affected software until one is available.

Upgrade, and check permissions on every request on the server, not only in the interface. More about Missing authorization.

Is CVE-2022-42488 being exploited?

There is no known exploitation of CVE-2022-42488 in the wild and no public exploit code.

Sources

Also known as GHSA-rjp6-whc2-47rm.