UNISOC chipsets have a vulnerability that allows smartphones to disconnect from the network

Cybersecurity experts Check Point Research found a vulnerability in the firmware of LTE modems on Chinese UNISOC chipsets, which are widely used in low-cost smartphones.
Attackers have the theoretical ability to block the device from connecting to cellular networks.Image source: unisoc.comThe vulnerability was discovered while working with the Motorola Moto G20 smartphone on the UNISOC T700 chipset - researchers used reverse engineering techniques to study the implementation of LTE standard support on the modem.
They found that it was possible to send an SMS message or a special radio packet to the device to achieve disconnection from the mobile network - at least until the subsequent reboot.The vulnerability was given the number CVE-2022-20210 and a rating of 9.4 (\"critical\").
Researchers reported their discovery to UNISOC in May, and before the end of the month the developer released a patch to fix the bug.
Owners of devices running UNISOC chips were advised to update Android to the latest version.Factory-less Chinese company UNISOC has been developing chipsets for cell phones for 21 years, 17 of which it operated under the Spreadtrum Communications brand - rebranded in 2018.
According to Counterpoint analysts, the company is the world's fourth-largest developer of mobile platforms, behind MediaTek, Qualcomm and Apple.