The Implications of TETRA Radio Standard Vulnerabilities on National Security

## Introduction

The widely used Terrestrial Trunked Radio (TETRA) standard, which is employed in military and law enforcement communications as well as industrial control systems (ICS), has been found to have several vulnerabilities. These vulnerabilities, discovered by cybersecurity firm Midnight Blue, pose a significant threat to the security and confidentiality of sensitive communications. The vulnerabilities, collectively referred to as TETRA:BURST, were reverse-engineered by Midnight Blue through the analysis of the TETRA Authentication Algorithm (TAA1) and TETRA Encryption Algorithm (TEA). This discovery raises concerns about the potential compromise of military operations, law enforcement activities, and critical infrastructure systems.

## The Vulnerabilities

Midnight Blue has identified five vulnerabilities in the TETRA standard, two of which are considered critical. The critical vulnerabilities, CVE-2022-24401 and CVE-2022-24402, allow for decryption oracle attacks and backdoor access to the TEA1 encryption algorithm, respectively. These vulnerabilities can lead to a loss of confidentiality and authenticity in communications. The remaining vulnerabilities, CVE-2022-24404, CVE-2022-24403, and CVE-2022-24400, are classified as high risk and involve lack of authentication, weak obfuscation, and flaws in the authentication algorithm, respectively. These vulnerabilities can result in a loss of authentication and confidentiality.

## Implications for Military Communications

The vulnerabilities in the TETRA standard pose a significant threat to military communications. The ability of high-end adversaries to intercept or manipulate law enforcement and military radio communications can have disastrous consequences. By exploiting these vulnerabilities, adversaries can gain unauthorized access to sensitive information, potentially compromising military operations and putting lives at risk. The loss of confidentiality and authenticity in military communications can severely undermine strategic decision-making and compromise the effectiveness of military operations.

## Implications for Industrial Control Systems

The vulnerabilities in the TETRA standard also pose a serious risk to industrial control systems (ICS). The TEA1 encryption backdoor, for example, allows attackers to intercept and inject data traffic used for monitoring and control of industrial equipment. This can have dire consequences, such as the manipulation of railway signaling messages or the opening of circuit breakers in electrical substations. The potential compromise of critical infrastructure can result in significant disruption, financial loss, and safety hazards.

## Security Recommendations

Given the severity of these vulnerabilities, it is crucial to take immediate action to mitigate the risks. Patches and mitigations, including the use of end-to-end encryption (E2EE), should be implemented to address the vulnerabilities identified in the TETRA standard. It is essential for organizations and agencies relying on TETRA for their communications to regularly update their systems and apply security patches. Continuous and proactive security testing should be conducted to identify and address any potential weaknesses in the system.

## Editorial and Philosophical Discussion

The discovery of vulnerabilities in the widely used TETRA radio standard raises important questions about the security of critical infrastructure and military communications. It highlights the need for continuous and rigorous security testing and the importance of not relying solely on the proprietary nature of a standard for security. As William Wright, CEO at Closed Door Security, rightly pointed out, no system should be marketed or deployed without continuous and proactive security testing.

These vulnerabilities also demonstrate the ever-evolving and adaptive nature of cyber threats. Criminals and adversaries are constantly looking for weaknesses in systems to exploit for their gain. It is essential for organizations and agencies to be proactive in addressing potential vulnerabilities and staying ahead of emerging threats. This requires ongoing investment in cybersecurity measures, including robust testing, regular updates, and the adoption of best practices.

The implications of these vulnerabilities extend beyond immediate concerns of military and industrial systems. They raise broader questions about the reliability and security of communication systems that are vital for national security and public safety. As technology continues to advance, it is imperative to ensure that the systems and standards we rely on for critical communications remain resilient and secure.

## Conclusion

The discovery of vulnerabilities in the TETRA radio standard highlights the urgent need for action to address these risks. The vulnerabilities threaten the security and confidentiality of military communications, as well as critical infrastructure systems. Patches and mitigations should be implemented promptly, and organizations should conduct regular security testing to identify and address potential vulnerabilities. The broader implications of these vulnerabilities necessitate ongoing investment in cybersecurity measures to ensure the resilience and security of our critical communication systems.