CVE-2025-69278: Google Android DOS Vulnerability

CVE-2025-69278 Overview

CVE-2025-69278 is an improper input validation vulnerability affecting the NR modem component in Unisoc chipsets running on Google Android devices. The flaw exists in how the modem processes incoming network data, where insufficient validation of input parameters can trigger a system crash. This vulnerability enables remote attackers to cause a denial of service condition without requiring any authentication or user interaction.

Critical Impact

Remote attackers can crash affected Android devices running Unisoc chipsets by sending specially crafted network data to the NR modem, causing complete device unavailability without any user interaction required.

Affected Products

• Google Android 13.0, 14.0, 15.0, and 16.0
• Unisoc T7300
• Unisoc T8100
• Unisoc T8200
• Unisoc T8300
• Unisoc T9100

Discovery Timeline

• 2026-03-09 - CVE-2025-69278 published to NVD
• 2026-03-09 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2025-69278

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability resides in the NR (New Radio) modem component of Unisoc chipsets, which handles 5G network communications. The improper input validation weakness (CWE-20) allows malformed data to reach processing routines without adequate boundary checks or sanitization. When the modem receives specially crafted network data that bypasses validation, it triggers an unhandled exception resulting in a complete system crash.

The attack can be executed remotely over the network without requiring any privileges on the target device or user interaction, making it particularly dangerous for mobile devices that are constantly connected to cellular networks. The impact is limited to availability—the vulnerability does not allow data exfiltration or code execution.

Root Cause

The root cause is insufficient input validation within the NR modem firmware when processing network protocol data. The modem fails to properly validate input parameters before processing, allowing malformed or out-of-bounds values to trigger error conditions that the system cannot gracefully handle. This results in an unrecoverable state requiring a device restart.

Attack Vector

The vulnerability is exploitable via network-based attacks targeting the cellular modem interface. An attacker positioned within radio range or with the ability to inject malicious traffic into the cellular network path can send crafted packets to trigger the vulnerability. The attack requires:

1. Network accessibility to the target device's cellular connection
2. Knowledge of the specific malformed input that triggers the crash
3. No authentication or privileges on the target device

The attack complexity is low as it requires only network access and the ability to send malformed data packets to the modem subsystem. Since no user interaction is needed, affected devices can be crashed without any warning to the user.

Detection Methods for CVE-2025-69278

Indicators of Compromise

• Unexpected device reboots or crashes without apparent cause
• System logs showing modem-related crashes or exceptions in the NR radio subsystem
• Repeated cellular connection drops followed by system instability
• Kernel panic logs referencing modem firmware or radio interface handler crashes

Detection Strategies

• Monitor Android system logs for modem subsystem crashes using logcat filtering for radio and modem-related tags
• Implement network traffic analysis to detect anomalous cellular protocol patterns targeting modem interfaces
• Deploy endpoint detection solutions capable of monitoring for repeated crash-recovery cycles indicative of DoS attacks
• Review crash dumps and tombstone files for patterns matching modem input validation failures

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable enhanced logging for cellular modem components on managed enterprise devices
• Configure alerting for unusual patterns of device restarts or modem subsystem failures
• Monitor device fleet health metrics to identify clusters of affected devices experiencing simultaneous crashes
• Implement network-level monitoring for suspicious cellular traffic patterns where infrastructure permits

How to Mitigate CVE-2025-69278

Immediate Actions Required

• Apply the latest security patches from device manufacturers that incorporate Unisoc modem firmware updates
• Check device firmware versions against the Unisoc Security Announcement for affected version details
• Prioritize patching for devices in high-risk environments or those handling sensitive communications
• Consider temporarily limiting network exposure for critical unpatched devices where feasible

Patch Information

Unisoc has released security updates addressing this vulnerability. Users should apply patches through their device manufacturer's standard update channels. Enterprise administrators should consult the Unisoc Security Announcement for specific patch details and ensure mobile device management (MDM) solutions enforce timely security updates.

For Google Android devices, security patches addressing this vulnerability should be included in monthly security bulletins. Verify that devices are running the latest available security patch level that includes fixes for Unisoc modem components.

Workarounds

• No complete workarounds are available since the vulnerability exists in the modem firmware layer
• Ensure devices are configured to automatically install security updates when available
• For enterprise environments, use MDM policies to enforce minimum security patch levels
• Monitor affected devices closely for signs of exploitation until patches can be applied