CVE-2023-28905

8.0 HIGH

📋 TL;DR

A heap buffer overflow vulnerability in the image processing component of Volkswagen MIB3 infotainment systems allows attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected vehicles. This affects Skoda Superb III and other vehicles with specific MIB3 infotainment units. Successful exploitation could compromise vehicle infotainment systems and potentially other vehicle functions.

💻 Affected Systems

Products:
  • Volkswagen MIB3 infotainment units
  • Skoda Superb III with MIB3
  • Vehicles with MIB3 OEM part numbers listed in advisories
Versions: All versions prior to patch
Operating Systems: MIB3 infotainment OS
Default Config Vulnerable: ⚠️ Yes
Notes: Specifically affects MIB3 units with OEM part number 3V0035820 and related part numbers. Requires image processing functionality to be triggered.

⚠️ Manual Verification Required

This CVE does not have specific version information in our database, so automatic vulnerability detection cannot determine if your system is affected.

Why? The CVE database entry doesn't specify which versions are vulnerable (no version ranges provided by the vendor/NVD).

🔒 Custom verification scripts are available for registered users. Sign up free to download automated test scripts.

Recommended Actions:
  1. Review the CVE details at NVD
  2. Check vendor security advisories for your specific version
  3. Test if the vulnerability is exploitable in your environment
  4. Consider updating to the latest version as a precaution

⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact

🔴

Worst Case

Full vehicle compromise allowing remote attacker to control infotainment system, access vehicle networks, and potentially affect safety-critical systems.

🟠

Likely Case

Infotainment system compromise allowing data theft, unauthorized access to vehicle functions, and potential lateral movement to other vehicle systems.

🟢

If Mitigated

Limited to infotainment system compromise with network segmentation preventing access to critical vehicle systems.

🌐 Internet-Facing: MEDIUM with brief explanation
🏢 Internal Only: HIGH with brief explanation

🎯 Exploit Status

Public PoC: ✅ No
Weaponized: LIKELY
Unauthenticated Exploit: ⚠️ Yes
Complexity: MEDIUM

Exploitation requires delivering malicious image files to the infotainment system, which could occur via USB, Bluetooth, or wireless connections.

🛠️ Fix & Mitigation

✅ Official Fix

Patch Version: Specific firmware updates from Volkswagen/Skoda

Vendor Advisory: https://pcacybersecurity.com/resources/advisory/vulnerabilities-in-vw-mib3-infotainment-2

Restart Required: Yes

Instructions:

1. Contact authorized Volkswagen/Skoda dealership 2. Schedule infotainment system firmware update 3. Verify update completion through system information menu

🔧 Temporary Workarounds

Disable external media processing

all

Prevent processing of external image files via USB, Bluetooth, or wireless connections

Network segmentation

all

Isolate infotainment system from critical vehicle networks

🧯 If You Can't Patch

  • Disable all external connectivity options (USB, Bluetooth, WiFi) on infotainment system
  • Implement physical security controls to prevent unauthorized access to vehicle

🔍 How to Verify

Check if Vulnerable:

Check infotainment system OEM part number against affected list and verify firmware version

Check Version:

Navigate to System Information in infotainment menu

Verify Fix Applied:

Verify firmware version matches latest patched version from manufacturer

📡 Detection & Monitoring

Log Indicators:

  • Unusual image processing errors
  • Memory allocation failures in infotainment logs
  • Unexpected system reboots

Network Indicators:

  • Unusual network traffic from infotainment system
  • Suspicious file transfers to infotainment unit

SIEM Query:

Not applicable for typical vehicle environments

🔗 References

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