CVE-2023-28905
📋 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
- Volkswagen MIB3 infotainment units
- Skoda Superb III with MIB3
- Vehicles with MIB3 OEM part numbers listed in advisories
⚠️ 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.
- Review the CVE details at NVD
- Check vendor security advisories for your specific version
- Test if the vulnerability is exploitable in your environment
- 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.
🎯 Exploit Status
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
allPrevent processing of external image files via USB, Bluetooth, or wireless connections
Network segmentation
allIsolate 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
- https://asrg.io/security-advisories/vulnerabilities-in-volkswagen-mib3-infotainment-part-2/
- https://i.blackhat.com/EU-24/Presentations/EU-24-Parnishchev-OverTheAirVW.pdf
- https://pcacybersecurity.com/resources/advisory/vulnerabilities-in-vw-mib3-infotainment-2
- https://i.blackhat.com/EU-24/Presentations/EU-24-Parnishchev-OverTheAirVW.pdf