CVE-2025-69279 Overview
CVE-2025-69279 is an improper input validation vulnerability affecting the NR (New Radio) modem component in Google Android devices running on Unisoc chipsets. The vulnerability exists in the modem firmware, where insufficient validation of incoming data can trigger a system crash. This could lead to remote denial of service conditions without requiring any additional execution privileges or user interaction.
Critical Impact
Remote attackers can exploit this vulnerability to cause complete system crashes on affected Android devices with Unisoc chipsets, resulting in denial of service conditions that require device restart to recover.
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 CVE-2025-69279 published to NVD
- 2026-03-09 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-69279
Vulnerability Analysis
This vulnerability stems from improper input validation (CWE-20) within the NR modem component of affected Unisoc chipsets. The NR modem handles 5G New Radio communications, and when processing certain malformed or unexpected input data, the modem fails to properly validate the input before processing. This lack of validation allows an attacker to send specially crafted data that causes the modem firmware to enter an invalid state, resulting in a complete system crash.
The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it can be triggered remotely over the network without requiring any user interaction or special privileges. The attack does not compromise data confidentiality or integrity but has a significant impact on system availability.
Root Cause
The root cause of CVE-2025-69279 is insufficient input validation in the NR modem firmware. The modem component fails to properly sanitize and validate incoming network data before processing, allowing malformed input to trigger unexpected behavior in the firmware's execution path. This improper input handling ultimately leads to a condition that crashes the entire system.
Attack Vector
The vulnerability is exploitable remotely over the network. An attacker can craft malicious network packets targeting the NR modem component. Since the attack requires no authentication, user interaction, or special privileges, it presents a low barrier to exploitation. The attack path likely involves sending specially crafted 5G NR protocol messages that bypass the inadequate input validation checks in the modem firmware, causing the device to crash.
Due to the nature of the vulnerability affecting low-level modem firmware, the malicious input likely targets specific protocol handling routines in the NR stack. The exact exploitation mechanism involves sending network-layer data that the modem processes without proper bounds checking or input sanitization.
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-69279
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected device reboots or system crashes without user initiation
- Modem crash logs or kernel panic messages related to NR modem components
- Repeated connectivity disruptions on 5G networks
- System log entries indicating modem firmware exceptions
Detection Strategies
- Monitor system logs for modem-related crash events and kernel panics
- Implement network traffic analysis to detect anomalous 5G NR protocol messages
- Deploy endpoint detection solutions capable of monitoring for abnormal modem behavior
- Track device stability metrics across fleet devices using Unisoc chipsets
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable verbose logging for modem subsystems where possible
- Implement centralized log collection from Android devices to identify patterns of crashes
- Monitor for multiple devices exhibiting simultaneous crash behavior, which may indicate active exploitation
- Set up alerts for devices experiencing repeated unplanned reboots
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-69279
Immediate Actions Required
- Apply the latest firmware and Android security updates from Unisoc and device manufacturers
- Review the Unisoc Security Announcement for specific patch information
- Prioritize updating devices using Unisoc T8100, T8200, T8300, and T9100 chipsets
- Consider temporarily disabling 5G connectivity on critical devices until patches are applied
Patch Information
Unisoc has released a security announcement addressing this vulnerability. Device manufacturers and users should apply the recommended firmware updates from Unisoc. Refer to the official Unisoc Security Announcement for detailed patch information and availability for specific device models.
Organizations managing Android device fleets should coordinate with their device vendors to obtain and deploy the appropriate security updates for devices running on affected Unisoc chipsets.
Workarounds
- If patches are not immediately available, consider restricting 5G connectivity and using 4G LTE as a temporary measure
- Implement network-level protections where possible to filter potentially malicious traffic targeting mobile devices
- Deploy mobile device management (MDM) solutions to monitor device health and push updates when available
- Segment critical mobile devices from untrusted network environments until patches can be applied
# Verify Android security patch level on device
# Settings > About phone > Android security patch level
# Ensure patch date is after the vulnerability disclosure date
# Check for available system updates
# Settings > System > System update > Check for update
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
