CVE-2024-24452 Overview
CVE-2024-24452 is an out-of-bounds read vulnerability [CWE-125] in the Athonet virtual Evolved Packet Core (vEPC) Mobility Management Entity (MME) version 11.4.0. The flaw resides in the handler for the ProtocolIE_ID field of E-RAB Release Indication messages within the S1AP protocol. Remote attackers can repeatedly initiate connections and send a crafted payload to trigger invalid memory access. Successful exploitation causes a Denial of Service (DoS) condition against the cellular network core, disrupting subscriber connectivity and service availability.
Critical Impact
Remote attackers can disrupt LTE/4G cellular network availability by crashing the MME component of the vEPC through malformed S1AP signaling messages.
Affected Products
- Athonet vEPC MME v11.4.0
- Referenced in the HPE Security Bulletin covering Athonet packet core products
- Deployments using the affected MME component in LTE/4G core networks
Discovery Timeline
- 2024-11-15 - CVE-2024-24452 published to NVD
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2024-24452
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability affects the S1 Application Protocol (S1AP) message parser in the Athonet vEPC MME. Specifically, the handler responsible for processing the ProtocolIE_ID field within E-RAB Release Indication messages performs invalid memory access when parsing a crafted payload. The MME is the control-plane node responsible for signaling between the User Equipment (UE) and the core network in LTE deployments. Because the MME is central to attach, bearer, and mobility procedures, a crash disrupts subscriber sessions across the served area.
Root Cause
The root cause is an out-of-bounds read [CWE-125] triggered when the MME parses the ProtocolIE_ID field of an E-RAB Release Indication message. The parser fails to properly validate boundaries before dereferencing memory associated with the Information Element identifier. Repeated malformed connections amplify the impact and drive the process into an unrecoverable state.
Attack Vector
Exploitation requires network access to the S1-MME interface, which typically sits between the eNodeB and the MME. An attacker capable of reaching this control-plane interface can repeatedly open connections and deliver crafted E-RAB Release Indication messages carrying a malformed ProtocolIE_ID. Attack complexity is high because the attacker must reach a normally segmented telecom control-plane interface and craft valid S1AP framing around the malicious field. No authentication or user interaction is required once network reachability exists.
No public proof-of-concept code is available. Refer to the HPE Security Bulletin for vendor-provided technical details.
Detection Methods for CVE-2024-24452
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected MME process crashes or restarts correlated with inbound S1AP traffic
- Repeated short-lived SCTP associations from unusual peers toward the S1-MME interface
- Bursts of E-RAB Release Indication messages containing malformed ProtocolIE_ID values
- Loss of subscriber attach or bearer establishment success rates without a corresponding capacity event
Detection Strategies
- Deploy S1AP-aware inspection to validate ProtocolIE_ID fields against the 3GPP specification
- Alert on MME service restarts that follow inbound signaling anomalies
- Baseline normal E-RAB Release Indication rates per eNodeB and flag statistical outliers
Monitoring Recommendations
- Aggregate MME logs, SCTP session data, and S1AP counters into a centralized analytics platform
- Monitor control-plane KPIs including attach success rate, paging success, and bearer setup failures
- Correlate crash telemetry with peer eNodeB identifiers to isolate suspicious sources
How to Mitigate CVE-2024-24452
Immediate Actions Required
- Review the HPE Security Bulletin and apply vendor-supplied updates for Athonet vEPC MME
- Restrict access to the S1-MME interface to authorized eNodeB peers only
- Enable rate limiting on inbound SCTP associations and S1AP signaling per peer
Patch Information
Refer to the HPE Security Bulletin for the fixed release of Athonet vEPC MME and vendor remediation guidance. Operators should coordinate maintenance windows with HPE support to upgrade beyond v11.4.0.
Workarounds
- Enforce strict network segmentation between the radio access network and the packet core
- Terminate S1-MME traffic through IPsec gateways that authenticate eNodeB peers
- Deploy signaling firewalls or S1AP-aware inspection to drop malformed E-RAB Release Indication messages
- Configure MME watchdog and automatic restart with alerting to reduce outage duration
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.