CVE-2023-32845 – This vulnerability in 5G modem firmware allows ... (How to Fix)

Q: What is the severity of CVE-2023-32845?

CVE-2023-32845 has a CVSS score of 7.5 (HIGH). This vulnerability in 5G modem firmware allows remote attackers to cause a system crash (denial of service) by sending malformed RRC messages. No user interaction or special privileges are required for exploitation. Affects devices using MediaTek 5G modem chipsets.

📋 TL;DR

This vulnerability in 5G modem firmware allows remote attackers to cause a system crash (denial of service) by sending malformed RRC messages. No user interaction or special privileges are required for exploitation. Affects devices using MediaTek 5G modem chipsets.

💻 Affected Systems

Products:

MediaTek 5G modem chipsets

Versions: Specific firmware versions not publicly detailed in advisory

Operating Systems: Embedded modem firmware

Default Config Vulnerable: ⚠️ Yes

Notes: Affects devices with vulnerable MediaTek 5G modem firmware; exact device models not specified in public advisory

📦 What is this software?

⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact

🔴

Worst Case

Complete device/system crash requiring physical restart, potentially disrupting critical communications in 5G-connected devices

🟠

Likely Case

Temporary denial of service affecting 5G connectivity until system restarts or recovers

🟢

If Mitigated

Minimal impact if patched; unpatched systems remain vulnerable to remote DoS attacks

🌐 Internet-Facing: HIGH - Attackers can exploit remotely without authentication via 5G network

🏢 Internal Only: LOW - Exploitation requires 5G network access, not typical internal network vectors

🎯 Exploit Status

Public PoC: ✅ No

Weaponized: UNKNOWN

Unauthenticated Exploit: ⚠️ Yes

Complexity: MEDIUM

Requires ability to send malformed RRC messages over 5G network; no public exploit code available

🛠️ Fix & Mitigation

✅ Official Fix

Patch Version: Firmware with patch ID MOLY01128524

Vendor Advisory: https://corp.mediatek.com/product-security-bulletin/December-2023

Restart Required: Yes

Instructions:

1. Contact device manufacturer for firmware updates 2. Apply firmware update containing patch MOLY01128524 3. Restart device to activate patched firmware

🔧 Temporary Workarounds

Network filtering

all

Implement network-level filtering of suspicious RRC messages if supported by network infrastructure

🧯 If You Can't Patch

Isolate vulnerable devices from untrusted 5G networks when possible
Implement monitoring for unusual 5G connection drops or modem resets

🔍 How to Verify

Check if Vulnerable:

Check device firmware version against manufacturer's patched versions; contact device vendor for specific vulnerability status

Check Version:

Device-specific commands vary by manufacturer; consult device documentation

Verify Fix Applied:

Confirm firmware version includes patch ID MOLY01128524; verify with manufacturer that patch is applied

📡 Detection & Monitoring

Log Indicators:

Unexpected modem/system crashes
5G connection drops without user action
Error logs related to RRC message processing

Network Indicators:

Unusual RRC message patterns
Multiple connection attempts with malformed packets

SIEM Query:

Search for: (event_category="system_crash" OR event_category="modem_failure") AND component="5g_modem"

📊 Metadata

CVE ID: CVE-2023-32845

CVSS v3 Score: 7.5 (HIGH)

CVSS Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H

CWE: CWE-617

Published: December 4, 2023

Last Updated: November 21, 2024

🔗 References

https://corp.mediatek.com/product-security-bulletin/December-2023 Vendor Advisory
https://corp.mediatek.com/product-security-bulletin/December-2023 Vendor Advisory

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