Security researchers warn about 5Ghoul vulnerabilities in 5G modem firmware
Researchers from the ASSET Research Group at a leading engineering university in Asia identified fourteen critical flaws in the firmware of 5G modems produced by major chipmakers. The flaws affect a wide range of devices and have implications for smartphones from many well known brands as well as other wireless devices that rely on 5G modem technology. The findings were published in the group’s formal bulletin hosted on the ARG official platform.
The researchers describe the fourteen flaws under the umbrella of a controversy labeled 5Ghoul. Their assessment suggests these bugs could threaten hundreds of phone models across brands including Apple, Google, Samsung, Huawei, Nokia, Sony, Xiaomi, OPPO, Asus, Meizu, ZTE, Motorola, OnePlus, and several others. In total, the report notes vulnerability exposure in 714 distinct device models, highlighting a broad impact across the consumer electronics market.
According to the ARG analysis, exploitation of these vulnerabilities could allow attackers to intercept communications and disrupt network connectivity. In some scenarios, attackers could force devices to degrade data transfer speeds from 5G to older generations, potentially causing devices to operate with reduced performance. In the most serious cases, remediation might require a manual reboot of the affected device to restore normal operation.
The attacks tied to 5Ghoul rely on mimicking the behavior of a legitimate base station. A malicious actor can create a counterfeit signal source and wait for a device to attempt a connection. Once a connection is established or encouraged, the attacker can influence the device’s radio interface and data handling, enabling interception or denial of service symptoms. The threat model emphasizes how easily a rogue signal can be introduced and how quickly vulnerabilities could be exploited in real world environments.
In response to the disclosure, MediaTek and Qualcomm have released patches addressing twelve of the fourteen identified vulnerabilities. The remaining two issues are still under wraps, with details kept confidential to prevent premature exploitation before a broad mitigation path is ready. The timing of patches underscores the need for timely firmware updates across affected devices and the importance of device manufacturers accelerating rollouts in Canada and the United States to strengthen security posture.
Earlier research notes indicate that attackers have previously gained access to user information through alternate wireless channels such as Bluetooth, underscoring a pattern of multi layer risks in contemporary mobile ecosystems. The new 5Ghoul findings add to a growing awareness that radio frequency interfaces, while essential for seamless connectivity, can present potential attack surfaces that require ongoing vigilance, robust patch management, and coordinated responses from chipset makers, device manufacturers, and mobile network operators. Experts urge users to install official firmware updates promptly, maintain current security configurations, and remain cautious of anomalous device behavior that could signal exploitation.
From a risk management perspective, the disclosure highlights several practical safeguards. These include validating the authenticity of firmware updates, applying security patches swiftly, and ensuring devices operate with the latest vendor recommendations. It also emphasizes the value of defense in depth strategies for mobile devices, such as enabling automatic updates where available, disabling unnecessary services, and keeping app permissions up to date. Industry stakeholders acknowledge that the evolving security landscape for 5G requires a collaborative approach across developers, carriers, and public security authorities to reduce potential attack vectors and protect user privacy. The ARG study adds to the global dialogue on secure 5G deployment and the ongoing need for transparent, timely information sharing to strengthen resilience in everyday wireless communication. Attribution for the findings is provided by the ARG researchers and corroborating industry analyses.
In summary, the 5Ghoul review presents a credible, high stakes view of current firmware risks affecting a broad swath of 5G capable devices. The response from MediaTek and Qualcomm shows that manufacturers can respond to vulnerabilities, but the pace and scope of patch deployment remain critical. Consumers are advised to stay informed, update devices as soon as patches become available, and follow official guidance from device makers to minimize exposure to potential threats. The evolving security landscape for 5G continues to demand vigilance, proactive patching, and coordinated action across the technology ecosystem to keep mobile experiences safe and reliable.