CVE-2025-71410 in CPDLC
Summary
by MITRE • 08/07/2026
Unnumbered Disconnect (U DISC) and malformed Aviation Very High Frequency Link Control frames can terminate sessions and lead to a loss of CPDLC functions requiring a reversion to voice communication and increased controller workload. This type of attack can be carried out remotely over radio frequency.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/07/2026
The vulnerability described represents a critical weakness in aviation communication systems that leverages specifically crafted U DISC and malformed Aviation Very High Frequency Link Control frames to disrupt secure data link communications. This issue affects the Controller-Pilot Data Link Communication (CPDLC) infrastructure which forms the backbone of modern air traffic control operations, where digital messaging replaces traditional voice communication for enhanced efficiency and clarity.
The technical flaw exploits the protocol implementation within aviation VHF data link systems, particularly those utilizing the Aeronautical Telecommunication Network (ATN) protocols. U DISC frames are typically used to terminate data link sessions, but when sent in an unnumbered format or with malformed control information, they can trigger unexpected behavior in the receiving systems. These malformed frames exploit parsing vulnerabilities in the communication stack where the system fails to properly validate incoming frame structures, leading to session termination and complete loss of CPDLC functionality.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted within aviation safety contexts. When CPDLC sessions are terminated through these attacks, air traffic controllers must revert to traditional voice communication methods which significantly increases radio congestion and controller workload. This degradation in communication efficiency can lead to delayed responses to critical flight operations, increased potential for miscommunication errors, and overall compromised situational awareness during flight operations.
Remote exploitation over radio frequency means that adversaries can target these vulnerabilities from external locations without requiring physical access to aircraft or ground systems, making the threat surface much broader than traditional network-based attacks. The attack vector operates through the unencrypted nature of VHF communication channels where proper frame validation mechanisms are insufficiently implemented in many legacy systems.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-129 Input Validation and CWE-347 Improper Verification of Cryptographic Signature categories, as it involves inadequate validation of incoming control frames and failure to properly verify the integrity of communication protocols. From an ATT&CK perspective, this represents a network denial-of-service attack pattern that specifically targets aviation communication infrastructure and can be classified under T1498 Network Denial of Service within the adversary tactics framework.
Mitigation strategies should include implementing robust frame validation mechanisms at protocol level, deploying intrusion detection systems specifically monitoring for anomalous U DISC frame patterns, and establishing redundant communication channels to maintain operational continuity. Regular protocol updates and security assessments of aviation data link systems are essential to address these vulnerabilities. Additionally, implementing proper authentication mechanisms for frame validation and establishing automatic session recovery procedures can help minimize the impact of such attacks on air traffic control operations.