CVE-2015-5611 in Uconnect
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in Uconnect 15.26.1, as used in certain Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA), allows remote attackers in the same cellular network to control vehicle movement, cause human harm or physical damage, or modify dashboard settings via vectors related to modification of entertainment-system firmware and access of the CAN bus due to insufficient "Radio security protection," as demonstrated on a 2014 Jeep Cherokee Limited FWD.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/26/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-5611 represents a critical security flaw in the Uconnect infotainment system version 15.26.1 found in certain Fiat Chrysler Automobiles vehicles, particularly the 2014 Jeep Cherokee Limited FWD. This issue demonstrates the growing convergence of automotive systems with cellular connectivity and the associated security implications when proper security controls are absent. The vulnerability exists within the radio security protection mechanisms that are supposed to safeguard the vehicle's communication pathways and prevent unauthorized access to critical automotive functions.
The technical flaw stems from insufficient radio security protection that allows attackers positioned within the same cellular network to exploit the system's communication channels. This vulnerability specifically targets the modification of entertainment-system firmware and unauthorized access to the Controller Area Network (CAN) bus, which serves as the primary communication backbone for vehicle functions. The CAN bus connects various electronic control units throughout the vehicle, including those controlling engine functions, braking systems, steering, and other critical automotive operations. When an attacker can access the CAN bus through compromised radio security, they gain the ability to manipulate vehicle behavior directly.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple entertainment system modification to potentially life-threatening scenarios involving vehicle movement control. The attack vector demonstrates how an attacker can remotely control vehicle movement, causing human harm or physical damage, which represents a severe safety risk. The ability to modify dashboard settings further compounds the threat, as it can provide attackers with additional information about the vehicle's status and potentially reveal vulnerabilities in other systems. This vulnerability specifically affects vehicles in the 2014 Jeep Cherokee Limited FWD model, but the implications suggest similar risks may exist in other vehicles using the same Uconnect system components.
This vulnerability aligns with several cybersecurity frameworks and attack patterns, including CWE-310 (Cryptographic Vulnerability) and CWE-284 (Improper Access Control) as referenced in the Common Weakness Enumeration catalog. The attack scenario demonstrates characteristics consistent with the MITRE ATT&CK framework's concept of "Network Service Scanning" and "Command and Control" techniques, where attackers establish unauthorized access to vehicle systems through network-based attacks. The vulnerability also reflects the broader concern of the automotive industry regarding the security of connected vehicle systems, as outlined in various automotive cybersecurity standards including ISO/SAE 21434 and SOTIF (Safety of the Intended Functionality) requirements.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-5611 should focus on implementing robust radio security protection mechanisms that prevent unauthorized firmware modifications and CAN bus access. Vehicle manufacturers should establish secure boot processes that validate firmware integrity before system operation, implement proper access controls for radio communication channels, and deploy network segmentation techniques that isolate critical automotive functions from entertainment systems. Additionally, regular security updates and patches should be implemented to address identified vulnerabilities, and vehicle owners should be educated about the risks of connecting to untrusted networks while driving. The vulnerability underscores the importance of treating automotive systems as cyber-physical systems requiring comprehensive security approaches that consider both the physical and digital aspects of vehicle operation.