CVE-2022-23425 in Samsung
Summary
by MITRE • 02/11/2022
Improper input validation in Exynos baseband prior to SMR Feb-2022 Release 1 allows attackers to send arbitrary NAS signaling messages with fake base station.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/17/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-23425 represents a critical flaw in the Exynos baseband firmware that affects mobile devices manufactured by Samsung and other vendors utilizing this chipset. This weakness stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the baseband processor's handling of NAS (Network Access Stratum) signaling messages. The vulnerability specifically impacts devices prior to the SMR February 2022 Release 1, indicating that firmware updates addressing this issue were made available in that security patch cycle. The flaw allows malicious actors to inject crafted NAS signaling messages that can appear authentic to the device's baseband processor, effectively enabling them to impersonate legitimate cellular base stations.
The technical nature of this vulnerability places it squarely within the realm of network protocol manipulation and authentication bypass techniques. The improper input validation means that the baseband processor fails to adequately verify the authenticity and integrity of incoming NAS signaling messages before processing them. This creates an attack surface where adversaries can construct and transmit fake base station information that the device will accept as legitimate. The NAS signaling layer operates at the interface between the mobile device and the cellular network, making it a critical component for maintaining secure communication channels. When this validation is bypassed, attackers can manipulate the device's perception of its network connection, potentially leading to various forms of malicious activity including location spoofing, interception of communications, or redirection of network traffic to malicious servers.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-23425 extends beyond simple network disruption to encompass serious privacy and security implications for affected mobile devices. Attackers leveraging this vulnerability can perform IMSI catching operations, where they capture the unique identifiers of mobile devices within their range. This capability enables long-term tracking of device locations and can facilitate more sophisticated attacks such as man-in-the-middle scenarios where communications between the device and legitimate network infrastructure are intercepted or modified. The vulnerability also creates opportunities for service disruption attacks where legitimate network services can be rendered unavailable or redirected. From an attacker perspective, this represents a significant capability for establishing persistent monitoring of target devices without requiring physical access or complex device-specific exploits. The attack vector is particularly concerning as it can be executed remotely and does not require specialized equipment beyond standard cellular network monitoring tools.
The security implications of this vulnerability align with several CWE categories including CWE-20 for improper input validation and CWE-310 for cryptographic weaknesses in network protocols. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques such as T1566 for phishing with social engineering and T1071 for application layer protocol usage, particularly when attackers use the compromised device to establish further attack vectors. Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate firmware updates to the SMR February 2022 Release 1 or subsequent versions that contain proper input validation controls. Network administrators and device security teams should also implement monitoring for unusual NAS signaling message patterns and consider network-level detection mechanisms that can identify anomalous base station behavior. Additionally, users should be advised to avoid connecting to suspicious networks and to ensure their devices are running the latest security patches. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of robust input validation in embedded systems and highlights the need for comprehensive security testing of telecommunications infrastructure components.