CVE-2023-26245 – This vulnerability allows attackers to modify t... (How to Fix)

📋 TL;DR

This vulnerability allows attackers to modify the AppUpgrade binary file in Hyundai Gen5W_L in-vehicle infotainment systems to bypass firmware version checks. This enables installation of arbitrary firmware versions, including malicious custom firmware. Affected users are owners/operators of vehicles with the vulnerable IVI system.

💻 Affected Systems

Products:

Hyundai Gen5W_L in-vehicle infotainment system

Versions: AE_E_PE_EUR.S5W_L001.001.211214

Operating Systems: Embedded automotive OS

Default Config Vulnerable: ⚠️ Yes

Notes: Requires physical or network access to the IVI system during firmware update process.

📦 What is this software?

Gen5w L In Vehicle Infotainment System Firmware by Hyundai

View all CVEs affecting Gen5w L In Vehicle Infotainment System Firmware →

Gen5w L In Vehicle Infotainment System Firmware by Hyundai

View all CVEs affecting Gen5w L In Vehicle Infotainment System Firmware →

⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact

🔴

Worst Case

Complete vehicle compromise allowing attacker to control infotainment system, potentially affecting vehicle safety systems, stealing personal data, or enabling remote attacks.

🟠

Likely Case

Installation of malicious firmware that could steal user data, track vehicle location, or disrupt infotainment functionality.

🟢

If Mitigated

Limited impact if firmware updates are controlled and system is isolated from untrusted networks.

🌐 Internet-Facing: MEDIUM

🏢 Internal Only: HIGH

🎯 Exploit Status

Public PoC: ⚠️ Yes

Weaponized: LIKELY

Unauthenticated Exploit: ✅ No

Complexity: MEDIUM

Exploit requires modifying AppUpgrade binary and access to firmware update process. Research details available in referenced reports.

🛠️ Fix & Mitigation

✅ Official Fix

Patch Version: Unknown

Vendor Advisory: Not available

Restart Required: Yes

Instructions:

1. Contact Hyundai dealership for firmware update
2. Verify firmware integrity before installation
3. Apply any available security patches

🔧 Temporary Workarounds

Restrict firmware update access

all

Limit physical and network access to IVI system during firmware updates

Verify firmware integrity

all

Implement manual verification of firmware signatures before installation

🧯 If You Can't Patch

Isolate IVI system from untrusted networks
Implement strict access controls for firmware update process

🔍 How to Verify

Check if Vulnerable:

Check firmware version matches AE_E_PE_EUR.S5W_L001.001.211214 in system settings

Check Version:

Check through IVI system settings menu

Verify Fix Applied:

Verify firmware version has been updated to a patched version

📡 Detection & Monitoring

Log Indicators:

Unauthorized firmware update attempts
Modified AppUpgrade binary access

Network Indicators:

Unexpected firmware update traffic
Unauthorized connections to IVI system

SIEM Query:

Not applicable for typical automotive systems

📊 Metadata

CVE ID: CVE-2023-26245

CVSS v3 Score: 7.8 (HIGH)

CVSS Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

CWE: CWE-269

Published: April 27, 2023

Last Updated: January 31, 2025

🔗 References

https://sowhat.iit.cnr.it Not Applicable
https://sowhat.iit.cnr.it:8443/can-work/chimaera Exploit,Third Party Advisory
https://sowhat.iit.cnr.it:8443/can-work/chimaera/-/blob/main/Report/IIT-01-2023.pdf Exploit,Third Party Advisory
https://sowhat.iit.cnr.it Not Applicable
https://sowhat.iit.cnr.it:8443/can-work/chimaera Exploit,Third Party Advisory
https://sowhat.iit.cnr.it:8443/can-work/chimaera/-/blob/main/Report/IIT-01-2023.pdf Exploit,Third Party Advisory

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🔗 Related Vulnerabilities

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