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High ICSA-26-219-01 5 CVEs

CPDLC over ATN-B1 Vulnerabilities

Published Aug 7, 2026 · Updated Aug 7, 2026

Summary

ATN-B1 CPDLC relies on legacy clear text unauthenticated radio frequency links. Research demonstrates that these characteristics allow unauthorized message injection, denial-of-service conditions, and forced session resets. These vulnerabilities do not constitute an unsafe aircraft condition but can degrade operational safety margins by increasing workload, delaying safety-critical instructions, and reducing situational awareness.

Vulnerabilities 5

  • High 7.1
    CVE-2025-71409

    No Authentication for Very High Frequency Data Link messages used in CPDLC

    Lack of authentication for Very High Frequency Data Link messages allows rogue ground stations to inject CPDLC messages leading to unexpected or misleading clearances and potential pilot confusion. This type of attack can be carried out remotely over radio fr…

    ATN-B1 CPDLC
  • High 7.1
    CVE-2025-71412

    In CPDLC, False Emergency or Status Messages Will be Accepted as Legitimate

    Injection of false emergency or status messages over CPDLC may lead to misallocation of resources, operational confusion, and improper response actions by flight crews, traffic controllers, and ground operations. This type of attack can be carried out remotel…

    ATN-B1 CPDLC
  • Medium 5.3
    CVE-2025-71410

    Malicious Link Control Frames Can Cause Loss of CPDLC Functions

    Unnumbered Disconnect (U DISC) and malformed Aviation Very High Frequency Link Control frames can terminate sessions and lead to a loss of CPDLC functions requiring a reversion to voice communication and increased controller workload. This type of attack can …

    ATN-B1 CPDLC
  • Medium 5.3
    CVE-2025-71411

    In CPDLC, Broadcast Control Frames Can Disconnect Multiple Aircraft Simultaneously

    Broadcast control frames can disconnect multiple aircraft simultaneously leading to delayed clearances and air traffic controller overload. This type of attack can be carried out remotely over radio frequency.

    ATN-B1 CPDLC
  • Medium 5.3
    CVE-2025-71413

    In CPDLC, Malformed or Out of Sequence Frames Can Cause Resets

    Malformed or out-of-sequence frames at the Aviation Very High Frequency Link Control X.25 layers cause repeated resets which may result in increased workload and reduced situational awareness. This type of attack can be carried out remotely over radio frequen…

    ATN-B1 CPDLC

Revision history

  1. #1

    Initial Publication

References