CVE-2025-61616 Overview
CVE-2025-61616 is an improper input validation vulnerability affecting the NR modem component in Unisoc chipsets used in Google Android devices. The vulnerability exists due to insufficient validation of input data processed by the modem, which can be exploited remotely to cause a system crash. This denial of service condition requires no user interaction and no additional execution privileges, making it particularly concerning for mobile device security.
Critical Impact
Remote attackers can exploit this vulnerability to crash affected Android devices running Unisoc chipsets without requiring any privileges or user interaction, potentially disrupting critical mobile communications.
Affected Products
- Google Android 13.0, 14.0, 15.0, and 16.0
- Unisoc T8100 chipset
- Unisoc T8200 chipset
- Unisoc T8300 chipset
- Unisoc T9100 chipset
Discovery Timeline
- 2026-03-09 - CVE-2025-61616 published to NVD
- 2026-03-09 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-61616
Vulnerability Analysis
This vulnerability stems from improper input validation (CWE-20) within the NR (New Radio) modem component of Unisoc chipsets. The NR modem handles 5G network communications, and the lack of proper bounds checking or input sanitization allows malformed data to trigger an unhandled exception or memory corruption condition that results in a system crash.
The attack can be conducted remotely over the network without requiring any authentication or user interaction. Since the modem operates at a low level within the device's communication stack, a successful exploit results in complete denial of service, requiring a device reboot to restore functionality.
The vulnerability affects multiple generations of Unisoc chipsets (T8100, T8200, T8300, and T9100) across Android versions 13 through 16, indicating a fundamental flaw in the modem firmware that has persisted across multiple product iterations.
Root Cause
The root cause is improper input validation in the NR modem firmware. When processing network data, the modem fails to adequately validate input parameters before processing, allowing specially crafted input to cause unexpected behavior. This could involve missing length checks, type validation failures, or improper handling of edge cases in the protocol implementation.
Attack Vector
The attack vector is network-based, requiring no local access to the target device. An attacker can send malicious network traffic to a device with a vulnerable Unisoc modem to trigger the denial of service condition. The exploitation flow involves:
- Attacker identifies a device using a vulnerable Unisoc chipset
- Crafted malicious network packets are sent targeting the NR modem component
- The modem processes the malformed input without proper validation
- The improper handling causes a system crash, resulting in denial of service
Since no exploit code is publicly available, the specific packet structure required to trigger the vulnerability has not been disclosed. Refer to the Unisoc Security Announcement for official technical guidance.
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-61616
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected device reboots or crashes, particularly when connected to cellular networks
- Modem-related crash logs in system diagnostics indicating NR modem failures
- Anomalous network traffic patterns targeting the device's cellular interface
- Multiple sequential device crashes in a short time period
Detection Strategies
- Monitor system logs for modem crash events with signatures related to input validation failures
- Implement network traffic analysis to detect malformed packets targeting cellular modems
- Deploy mobile threat defense solutions capable of detecting exploit attempts against baseband components
- Use SentinelOne Singularity Mobile to identify abnormal modem behavior and crash patterns
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable detailed logging for modem and baseband components where supported
- Monitor fleet-wide crash reports for patterns indicating exploitation attempts
- Implement alerting for devices experiencing repeated unexpected reboots
- Track cellular network anomalies that may indicate reconnaissance or exploitation activity
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-61616
Immediate Actions Required
- Apply the latest security patches from device manufacturers that include Unisoc firmware updates
- Monitor the Unisoc Security Announcement for official patch information
- Prioritize patching for devices in sensitive environments or those handling critical communications
- Ensure mobile device management (MDM) solutions enforce timely security updates
Patch Information
Unisoc has released a security announcement addressing this vulnerability. Organizations should obtain firmware updates through their device manufacturers or mobile carriers. The patch addresses the input validation deficiency in the NR modem component to prevent exploitation.
For patch details and availability, refer to the Unisoc Security Announcement.
Workarounds
- No direct workarounds are available since the vulnerability exists in modem firmware
- Consider limiting exposure of affected devices to untrusted networks where possible
- Deploy mobile threat defense solutions to detect and respond to exploitation attempts
- Maintain current device backups to facilitate rapid recovery in case of successful attacks
- Monitor vendor communications for emergency mitigations or interim guidance
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
