Description
In Modem, there is a possible out of bounds write due to a missing bounds check. This could lead to remote code execution, if a UE has connected to a rogue base station controlled by the attacker, with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation. Patch ID: MOLY01289384; Issue ID: MSV-2436.
EPSS Score:
0%
Comprehensive Technical Analysis of EUVD-2025-2184
1. Vulnerability Assessment and Severity Evaluation
The vulnerability described in EUVD-2025-2184 pertains to a potential out-of-bounds write in the modem firmware due to a missing bounds check. This flaw can lead to remote code execution (RCE) if a user equipment (UE) connects to a rogue base station controlled by an attacker. The severity of this vulnerability is rated with a CVSS base score of 9.8, indicating a critical risk. The CVSS vector CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H highlights the following characteristics:
- Attack Vector (AV): Network (N) - The vulnerability is exploitable over the network.
- Attack Complexity (AC): Low (L) - The attack requires minimal complexity.
- Privileges Required (PR): None (N) - No special privileges are needed to exploit the vulnerability.
- User Interaction (UI): None (N) - No user interaction is required for exploitation.
- Scope (S): Unchanged (U) - The vulnerability does not affect other security scopes.
- Confidentiality (C): High (H) - Complete loss of confidentiality.
- Integrity (I): High (H) - Complete loss of integrity.
- Availability (A): High (H) - Complete loss of availability.
2. Potential Attack Vectors and Exploitation Methods
The primary attack vector involves a UE connecting to a rogue base station. An attacker could set up a malicious base station to exploit the out-of-bounds write vulnerability, leading to RCE. This could be achieved through:
- Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) Attacks: Intercepting and manipulating network traffic.
- Fake Base Stations: Deploying rogue base stations in public areas to lure UEs into connecting.
- Network Spoofing: Spoofing legitimate network identifiers to trick UEs into connecting.
3. Affected Systems and Software Versions
The vulnerability affects a wide range of MediaTek modem products, specifically those running Modem NR16, NR17, and NR17R versions. The affected models include:
- MT2737, MT6813, MT6835, MT6835T, MT6878, MT6878M, MT6879, MT6886, MT6895, MT6895TT, MT6896, MT6897, MT6899, MT6980, MT6980D, MT6983, MT6983T, MT6985, MT6985T, MT6989, MT6989T, MT6990, MT6991, MT8673, MT8676, MT8678, MT8795T, MT8798, MT8863
4. Recommended Mitigation Strategies
To mitigate the risk associated with this vulnerability, the following strategies are recommended:
- Patch Management: Apply the patch identified by Patch ID: MOLY01289384 as soon as possible.
- Network Monitoring: Implement robust network monitoring to detect and respond to rogue base stations.
- User Education: Educate users about the risks of connecting to untrusted networks and the importance of using secure connections.
- Firmware Updates: Ensure that all affected devices are updated to the latest firmware versions that include the necessary security patches.
- Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS): Deploy IDS to detect and alert on suspicious network activities.
5. Impact on European Cybersecurity Landscape
The vulnerability poses a significant threat to the European cybersecurity landscape, particularly in sectors reliant on mobile communications, such as telecommunications, healthcare, and critical infrastructure. The potential for RCE without user interaction increases the risk of widespread attacks, which could lead to data breaches, service disruptions, and compromised critical systems.
6. Technical Details for Security Professionals
- Vulnerability Type: Out-of-bounds write due to missing bounds check.
- Exploitation: Requires a UE to connect to a rogue base station.
- Impact: Remote code execution leading to complete loss of confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
- Detection: Monitor for unusual network traffic patterns and unauthorized base stations.
- Response: Implement incident response plans to quickly identify and mitigate any detected exploitation attempts.
Conclusion
EUVD-2025-2184 represents a critical vulnerability in MediaTek modem firmware that requires immediate attention. Organizations and individuals should prioritize applying the necessary patches and implementing robust security measures to mitigate the risk of exploitation. The potential impact on European cybersecurity underscores the need for vigilant monitoring and proactive security management.
References
- MediaTek Product Security Bulletin - February 2025
- CVE ID: CVE-2025-20634
- Assigner: MediaTek
- Patch ID: MOLY01289384
- Issue ID: MSV-2436