CVE-2024-53827 Overview
CVE-2024-53827 affects the Ericsson Packet Core Controller (PCC), a core network component used by mobile network operators to manage subscriber sessions and packet routing. An attacker who sends a large volume of specially crafted messages to the PCC can trigger service degradation. The flaw is classified under [CWE-20] Improper Input Validation. The attack requires no authentication and can be executed remotely over the network, making exposed PCC instances reachable from untrusted networks particularly susceptible.
Critical Impact
Successful exploitation degrades availability of the Ericsson Packet Core Controller, potentially disrupting mobile data services for subscribers routed through the affected node.
Affected Products
- Ericsson Packet Core Controller (PCC)
Discovery Timeline
- 2025-05-16 - CVE-2024-53827 published to the National Vulnerability Database (NVD)
- 2026-04-15 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2024-53827
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability resides in how the Ericsson Packet Core Controller parses or processes incoming protocol messages. When an attacker transmits a high volume of specially crafted messages, the PCC fails to validate or handle them properly, leading to resource exhaustion and degraded service. The issue maps to [CWE-20] Improper Input Validation, meaning the application does not adequately verify message structure or contents before consuming processing resources.
The attack is network-reachable and does not require credentials or user interaction. Because the PCC operates as a control-plane element in mobile core networks, degradation directly impacts session setup, mobility management, and data path establishment for connected subscribers. EPSS data places the exploitation probability at 0.335% with a percentile of 25.
Root Cause
The root cause is improper input validation in the PCC's message handling logic. Specially crafted inputs bypass expected parsing constraints and cause disproportionate resource consumption. Repeated submission at high volume amplifies the effect, exhausting CPU, memory, or session-handling capacity.
Attack Vector
The attack vector is network-based with low complexity. An attacker with reachability to the PCC signaling interfaces transmits a sustained burst of malformed messages. No authentication or user interaction is required. The result is loss of availability, while confidentiality and integrity are not impacted.
No public exploit code or proof-of-concept is available. Technical specifics are restricted to the Ericsson Security Advisory CVE-2024-53827.
Detection Methods for CVE-2024-53827
Indicators of Compromise
- Sudden spike in malformed or unexpected control-plane messages directed at PCC signaling interfaces.
- Elevated CPU, memory, or session-table utilization on PCC nodes without a corresponding rise in legitimate subscriber traffic.
- Increased rate of failed session establishments, attach failures, or bearer setup errors reported by upstream mobility components.
Detection Strategies
- Baseline normal signaling message rates per peer and alert on statistically significant deviations.
- Inspect protocol parsers for messages that fail validation but continue to consume processing cycles.
- Correlate degradation events with the source IP ranges or peer identifiers of inbound signaling traffic.
Monitoring Recommendations
- Continuously monitor PCC health metrics including request latency, queue depth, and dropped message counters.
- Forward PCC logs and signaling telemetry to a centralized analytics platform for anomaly detection.
- Implement rate-based alerting on per-peer message volumes to surface volumetric abuse early.
How to Mitigate CVE-2024-53827
Immediate Actions Required
- Apply the fix referenced in the Ericsson Security Advisory CVE-2024-53827 as soon as a maintenance window allows.
- Restrict network reachability to PCC signaling interfaces so only authorized peers can connect.
- Engage Ericsson support to confirm whether your specific PCC release is affected and obtain remediation guidance.
Patch Information
Ericsson has issued vendor guidance through its Product Security Incident Response Team (PSIRT). Operators should consult the Ericsson Security Advisory CVE-2024-53827 for affected versions, fixed releases, and upgrade instructions specific to their deployment.
Workarounds
- Enforce strict access control lists on signaling interfaces to permit only known interconnect partners.
- Deploy rate limiting and message validation at upstream signaling gateways or session border controllers.
- Increase monitoring sensitivity for control-plane anomalies until the patch is applied across all PCC nodes.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
