CVE-2024-54982 in BC25
Summary
by MITRE • 12/20/2024
An issue in Quectel BC25 with firmware version BC25PAR01A06 allows attackers to bypass authentication via a crafted NAS message.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/22/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-54982 affects Quectel BC25 cellular modules running firmware version BC25PAR01A06, presenting a critical authentication bypass flaw that could enable unauthorized access to cellular network connections. This issue resides within the Network Access Server (NAS) message processing functionality of the device, where improper validation of incoming authentication messages allows malicious actors to craft specially formatted packets that circumvent the standard authentication mechanisms. The flaw represents a significant weakness in the module's security architecture, particularly concerning its role in cellular network access control and user verification processes.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation within the NAS message handling component of the Quectel BC25 firmware. When the device receives authentication requests, it fails to properly validate the integrity and authenticity of the NAS messages, allowing attackers to manipulate specific fields within these packets to bypass the authentication checks. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-284 Access Control Bypass, where improper access control mechanisms enable unauthorized operations. The flaw specifically impacts the device's ability to distinguish between legitimate and malicious authentication attempts, creating a pathway for unauthorized network access through crafted message manipulation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it potentially enables attackers to establish persistent connections to cellular networks without proper credentials. This could lead to unauthorized data consumption, potential network disruption, and the possibility of using the compromised module as a pivot point for further attacks within connected systems. The vulnerability affects IoT deployments and mobile applications that rely on Quectel BC25 modules for secure cellular communications, potentially exposing sensitive data transmission and device control functions. Organizations utilizing these modules in critical infrastructure or security-sensitive applications face significant risk of unauthorized access and potential data breaches.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-54982 should prioritize immediate firmware updates from Quectel to address the authentication bypass vulnerability, while network administrators should implement additional monitoring and intrusion detection measures to identify potential exploitation attempts. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1071.004 Application Layer Protocol: DNS, as it involves manipulation of network protocols to bypass authentication mechanisms. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and access control lists to limit the potential impact of exploitation, while maintaining detailed logging of authentication events to detect anomalous behavior patterns. Device manufacturers and system integrators should conduct thorough security assessments of their cellular communication infrastructure to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of their network architecture.