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How the CVE Works:
This vulnerability resides within the modem firmware stack, specifically in the processing of Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling messages from cellular base stations. When a User Equipment (UE), such as a smartphone, connects to a network, it exchanges RRC protocol messages to manage the connection. The vulnerable code does not properly validate certain information elements within these incoming NR (New Radio) or LTE RRC messages. A malicious actor operating a rogue base station (gNodeB or eNodeB) can craft and transmit specially engineered RRC packets containing malformed or extreme values in these fields. When the target device’s modem receives and attempts to process this malicious input without correct validation, it triggers a memory corruption error, such as a heap overflow or an unhandled exception. This causes the modem subsystem or the entire baseband processor to crash and reboot, resulting in a persistent denial of service (DoS) for cellular connectivity (voice, data, SMS) until the device is restarted or moves out of the rogue cell’s range. The attack requires no user interaction and no privileges on the target device.
dailycve form:
Platform: Android Modem
Version: MediaTek Firmware
Vulnerability: Improper Input Validation
Severity: Critical
date: 2025-01-12
Prediction: 2025-02-15
What Undercode Say:
$ adb logcat -b radio | grep -i "rrc|assert|crash" $ strings modem.img | grep -A5 -B5 "rrc_decode"
Simulate malicious RRC Message
malicious_ie = struct.pack('>H', 0xFFFF) Out-of-bounds value
crafted_rrc = rrc_header + malicious_ie + padding
send_over_air(crafted_rrc)
How Exploit:
Attackers set up a software-defined radio (SDR) system like a rogue base station using OpenAirInterface or srsRAN. They then broadcast a strong signal to lure target devices to camp on their cell. Once a device attaches, the rogue station transmits the specifically crafted, malformed RRC connection reconfiguration or setup message that exploits the input validation flaw, triggering the modem crash.
Protection from this CVE:
Apply vendor patch (MOLY01661199). Use Android Security Updates. Disable automatic network selection; use manual, trusted operators only. Deploy intrusion detection systems (IDS) for anomalous RRC signaling in enterprise mobile networks.
Impact:
Persistent denial of cellular service, device instability, potential permanent radio loss requiring factory reset, increased attack surface for geographically targeted disruptions.
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Sources:
Reported By: nvd.nist.gov
Extra Source Hub:
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