CVE-2016-9337 in Model S
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered in Tesla Motors Model S automobile, all firmware versions before version 7.1 (2.36.31) with web browser functionality enabled. The vehicle's Gateway ECU is susceptible to commands that may allow an attacker to install malicious software allowing the attacker to send messages to the vehicle's CAN bus, a Command Injection.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/02/2020
The vulnerability described in CVE-2016-9337 represents a critical security flaw within the Tesla Model S automobile's gateway electronic control unit that has significant implications for automotive cybersecurity. This issue affects all firmware versions prior to version 7.1 (2.36.31) and specifically targets vehicles with web browser functionality enabled, creating a pathway for attackers to compromise the vehicle's internal communication systems.
The technical flaw stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the vehicle's web browser implementation, which allows for command injection attacks against the gateway ECU. This vulnerability operates at the intersection of automotive networking and web technologies, where the vehicle's internet connectivity through its web browser interface creates an attack surface that can be exploited by malicious actors. The flaw specifically enables attackers to install malicious software on the vehicle's gateway system, which serves as a critical communication hub for the vehicle's controller area network.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it allows attackers to send arbitrary messages to the vehicle's CAN bus, effectively granting them control over critical vehicle systems. This capability enables potential manipulation of vehicle functions including but not limited to steering, braking, acceleration, and other safety-critical systems. The attack vector demonstrates how modern vehicles with internet connectivity and web browser capabilities can become vulnerable to remote exploitation, creating a pathway for attackers to compromise vehicle safety systems from external networks.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-77 and CWE-94 categories, representing command injection and code injection flaws that are commonly exploited in automotive systems. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques such as T1059.007 for command and script injection and T1566 for phishing with social engineering. The attack scenario involves an attacker leveraging the web browser functionality to execute malicious commands that can bypass traditional vehicle security boundaries, demonstrating the need for robust network segmentation and input validation in automotive systems.
Mitigation strategies should include immediate firmware updates to version 7.1 or later, which addresses the command injection vulnerability in the gateway ECU. Additionally, vehicle manufacturers should implement network isolation between the web browser functionality and critical vehicle systems, employ input validation mechanisms, and establish secure communication protocols for vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-infrastructure communications. The incident highlights the importance of applying security patches promptly and implementing defense-in-depth strategies that protect critical automotive systems from remote exploitation. Organizations should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems specifically designed for automotive networks and establishing secure development practices that address command injection vulnerabilities in vehicle software components.