Mine is like that as well and is normal for that type of join. The metal provides taper so the cable can be pushed in easily during production and stays there. The frayed appearing ends are how most wire strippers leave a wire if you look close. The black further back does look like someone tried to pull it back out with a pliers unless that's from removing the boot. If you want to make it more waterproof since you have it exposed, use a tiny bit of silicone window seal.