CVE-2026-42801 in Crane
Summary
by MITRE • 09/23/2026
NULL pointer dereference vulnerability in ASR Crane，Falcon on Linux (as_rrc module) allows Pointer Manipulation.
This vulnerability is associated with program file 3g.mod/lib/src/urrsir.c.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/23/2026
The identified security flaw resides within the as_rrc module of ASR Crane, Falcon on Linux, specifically in the source code file located at 3g.mod/lib/src/urrsir.c. This vulnerability manifests as a NULL pointer dereference that can be leveraged to achieve arbitrary pointer manipulation under certain conditions. In C-based systems such as this telecommunications stack, memory management is manual and critical for system stability. When a function expects a valid memory address but receives a null value due to improper initialization or failed allocation checks, the subsequent attempt to access data through that null reference triggers an immediate fault. However, in specific execution contexts within kernel-space modules like those found in baseband processors, this dereference can be manipulated by an attacker who controls input parameters or state variables associated with the Universal Radio Resource Signaling Interface Routine (URRSIR).
The technical mechanism behind this vulnerability involves a failure to validate pointer arguments before they are used for memory access operations. Typically, functions handling radio resource control signaling must process complex data structures received from higher-layer protocols or external interfaces. If the code path leading to urrsir.c does not rigorously check whether pointers passed into these routines are non-null prior to dereferencing them, an attacker can craft specific inputs that result in null values being propagated through the call stack. Once a NULL pointer is dereferenced, it usually causes a kernel panic or system crash. However, if the vulnerability allows for control over adjacent memory structures or if the execution environment permits speculative execution side-channels, this flaw transitions from a simple denial-of-service vector to one capable of Pointer Manipulation. This means an attacker could potentially influence where subsequent memory writes occur by exploiting the undefined behavior associated with null dereferences in specific compiler optimizations or hardware architectures common in embedded Linux environments used for cellular modems.
From an operational perspective, the impact of this vulnerability is severe due to its location within a core signaling module. The as_rrc module handles critical Radio Resource Control procedures essential for maintaining connectivity between the user equipment and the network infrastructure. A successful exploitation could lead to immediate service disruption by crashing the baseband processor or the host Linux system running the modem stack. More critically, if the pointer manipulation aspect is fully exploitable, it may allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code with kernel-level privileges. This compromises the integrity of the entire device, potentially enabling persistent backdoors, data exfiltration from secure elements, or bypassing security boundaries that protect sensitive subscriber information and network configuration parameters. Such a compromise undermines trust in the telecommunications infrastructure and violates fundamental principles of system isolation.
This vulnerability aligns with Common Weakness Enumeration (CWE) identifiers such as CWE-476 NULL Pointer Dereference and potentially CWE-94 Improper Control of Generation of Code Command Injection if the manipulated pointers lead to code execution paths. In terms of attack vectors, it relates to ATT&CK techniques involving Initial Access via exploited remote services or Local Privilege Escalation depending on whether the input originates from a network interface or local application layer interactions within the modem stack. The lack of robust input validation represents a fundamental design flaw in the software development lifecycle for this component.
Mitigation strategies must focus on rigorous code hardening and defensive programming practices. Developers should implement strict null checks before any pointer dereference operation, ensuring that all memory allocations are verified and that function arguments are validated against expected constraints. Static analysis tools configured to detect NULL pointer issues should be integrated into the continuous integration pipeline for this module. Additionally, enabling compiler security features such as stack canaries, Address Space Layout Randomization (ASLR), and Control Flow Integrity (CFI) can mitigate the exploitation of memory corruption vulnerabilities even if they are present. For deployed systems, applying vendor-provided patches that address the specific logic error in urrsir.c is essential to restore system integrity and prevent unauthorized access or disruption of cellular services.