Huawei publishes January 2023 HarmonyOS security patch details

Huawei has published HarmonyOS January 2023 security bulletin, which provides fixes for major security issues and flaws that may harm HarmonyOS security. It’ll come to HarmonyOS smartphones with an OTA update.

According to the information, Huawei HarmonyOS January 2023 security patch covers HarmonyOS 2.0, HarmonyOS 2.1, and HarmonyOS 3.0 software versions.

The latest HarmonyOS brings security hardening features with the latest software versions that make it harder for attackers to exploit the vulnerabilities of HarmonyOS. Therefore, it’s recommended for you get the latest software.

HarmonyOS 3 beta:

Huawei is continuously upgrading devices to the HarmonyOS 3 and there are many models already running this new operating system. Meanwhile, some old eligible phones are still on the way with HarmonyOS 3 beta practices.

HarmonyOS 3.1:

Predictions are also made that the company may begin HarmonyOS 3.1 test by the end of this month or probably by February. However, there’s new information awaited.

CVE details:

There are various CVEs fixed with HarmonyOS January 2023 security patch and below you can check the full details.

Note: CVE stands for Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures. CVE is a glossary that classifies vulnerabilities.

CVE-2022-46762 and CVE-2022-47975 were found in the kernel section with high and medium severity. Successful exploitation of this vulnerability may affect data confidentiality and the system.

CVE-2022-47974, CVE-2021-46867, CVE-2021-46868, and CVE-2022-47976 are fixed in HarmonyOS’s System. These are classified as medium and high severity.

CVE-2021-46856 with medium severity fixed for the HarmonyOS 2 application section, while the successful exploitation of this vulnerability may affect data confidentiality.

Other than these, the Framework also fixed CVE-2022-46761 and successful exploitation of this vulnerability may cause malicious hiding of app icons.

Meanwhile, there are no CVEs addressed in the third-party app section.

Still, these are some big improvements made to the HarmonyOS security system and we suggest all of the HarmonyOS users get the new HarmonyOS software update as soon as it arrives.

You can check for the latest software update via the Settings app, then tap on System & updates and then tap on Software update. You can follow the on-screen instructions to check for the latest build version.