Description
The MAVLink communication protocol does not require cryptographic authentication by default. When MAVLink 2.0 message signing is not enabled, any message -- including SERIAL_CONTROL, which provides interactive shell access -- can be sent by an unauthenticated party with access to the MAVLink interface. PX4 provides MAVLink 2.0 message signing as the cryptographic authentication mechanism for all MAVLink communication. When signing is enabled, unsigned messages are rejected at the protocol level.
Problem types
Product status
v1.16.0 SITL
Credits
Dolev Aviv of Cyviation reported this vulnerability to CISA.
References
docs.px4.io/main/en/mavlink/security_hardening
docs.px4.io/main/en/mavlink/message_signing
www.cisa.gov/news-events/ics-advisories/icsa-26-090-02
github.com/...p/csaf_files/OT/white/2026/icsa-26-090-02.json