Unmasking the Vulnerable: Major 5G Modem Flaws Discovered by ASSET Researchers

In a disturbing revelation, researchers have recently discovered a set of 14 major vulnerabilities in the 5G modems of numerous smartphones, raising significant concerns regarding the security of these devices. These vulnerabilities not only have the potential to compromise user safety but also enable attackers to launch devastating Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks. These findings have far-reaching implications as they affect a staggering 714 smartphone models from 24 different manufacturers.

Scope of the vulnerabilities

The scale and reach of these vulnerabilities is astonishing. The affected smartphones span across renowned brands such as Samsung, Apple, Google, Huawei, Xiaomi, OnePlus, and Honor, to name a few. This widespread influence places the security and privacy of millions of users at risk.

Impacted smartphone brands

Leading smartphone manufacturers such as Samsung, Apple, Google, Huawei, Xiaomi, OnePlus, and Honor are among the numerous brands affected by the recently discovered 5G modem vulnerabilities. This raises concerns about the security assurance provided by these widely trusted brands, as their devices are now susceptible to potential attacks.

To shed light on the severity of these vulnerabilities, researchers have aptly named the group “5Ghoul,” signifying the haunting consequences these flaws can unleash upon smartphone users. By voluntarily naming the vulnerabilities, researchers aim to increase awareness and prompt remedial actions in the industry.

The identified security flaws present numerous opportunities for potential attackers. Notably, remote DDoS attacks can be executed without the need for the attacker to possess any secret information or SIM card details. By impersonating a legitimate gNB (next-generation NodeB), attackers can manipulate known connection parameters to effectively disconnect devices from a network, causing significant disruption.

Actions taken by Qualcomm and Mediatek

In response to these alarming discoveries, chipset manufacturers Qualcomm and Mediatek have swiftly taken action. Both companies have released patches for 12 out of the 14 identified vulnerabilities. These patches aim to address the security flaws and safeguard smartphone devices from potential attacks.

Challenges in implementing security patches

Despite the proactive response from Qualcomm and MediaTek, implementing security patches for 5G modems poses a significant challenge. Researchers caution that it usually takes six months or even longer for these critical security updates to reach end users. This extended timeframe raises concerns regarding the vulnerability exposure window and users’ potential susceptibility during this period.

Concerns regarding 5G smartphone security

The discovery of these vulnerabilities sheds light on the urgent need for enhanced security measures in smartphones equipped with 5G modems. As 5G technology continues to proliferate, ensuring the integrity of these devices and protecting user data becomes paramount. The existence of these flaws serves as a wake-up call for smartphone manufacturers, emphasizing the need for robust security protocols throughout the product lifecycle.

Urgency for smartphone manufacturers

Given the gravity of the situation, smartphone manufacturers are urged to address the vulnerabilities promptly. By acknowledging the risks posed to users and taking immediate action, manufacturers can mitigate potential harm caused by malicious actors. Promptly deploying patches and ensuring their widespread availability will protect users from potential DDoS attacks and contribute to fortifying the overall security posture of smartphones.

The recent discoveries of major vulnerabilities in 5G modems used in a wide range of smartphone models highlight critical security risks and vulnerabilities faced by consumers. The scale and reach of these vulnerabilities, affecting trusted brands and millions of users, cannot be ignored. It is imperative for manufacturers to prioritize swift action in developing and deploying patches to protect their users and close the security gaps in these 5G modems. Ensuring the security and privacy of smartphones is crucial to maintain user trust and safeguard sensitive data in an increasingly interconnected world.

Explore more

How Is AI Revolutionizing Email Marketing Strategies?

Setting the Stage for Digital Communication Evolution In today’s hyper-connected digital landscape, businesses send billions of emails daily, yet only a fraction capture attention amid overflowing inboxes, pushing marketers to seek innovative solutions. Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a game-changer in transforming email marketing from a generic broadcast tool into a precision-driven strategy. With the ability to analyze vast

How Is Embedded Finance Transforming UK Brand Experiences?

Imagine a world where purchasing a new gadget at a retail store instantly offers tailored financing options right at checkout, or where booking a vacation seamlessly includes travel insurance within the same app. This is the reality shaped by embedded finance, a transformative technology integrating financial services into non-financial platforms. As digital ecosystems continue to dominate consumer interactions in 2025,

Paid Content Marketing Triumphs in the AI Era over Earned Media

In the rapidly changing arena of digital marketing, a profound transformation is reshaping how brands connect with audiences, marking a significant shift in strategy. Once a dominant force, earned media—those organic news features or viral social media moments—has been dethroned as the go-to strategy for growth among businesses, musicians, and creators. Now, paid content marketing has surged to the forefront,

Job Openings Drop in July, Yet Hiring Remains Strong

Overview of the U.S. Labor Market In the heat of summer, as businesses and workers navigate an ever-shifting economic landscape, a striking statistic emerges from the U.S. labor market: job openings have dipped to 7.2 million in July, down from 7.4 million just a month prior, raising eyebrows especially when juxtaposed with the robust hiring figures of 5.3 million for

Trend Analysis: Cooling US Labor Market Dynamics

Introduction In a startling reflection of economic headwinds, US private sector job growth plummeted to a mere 54,000 in August, nearly half of the previous month’s tally of 106,000, signaling a profound slowdown in labor market momentum. This sharp decline arrives at a critical juncture, with economic uncertainty casting a long shadow, policy debates intensifying, and political figures like President