CVE-2018-11478 in iCar 2 Wi-Fi OBD2 Dongle
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered on Vgate iCar 2 Wi-Fi OBD2 Dongle devices. The OBD port is used to receive measurement data and debug information from the car. This on-board diagnostics feature can also be used to send commands to the car (different for every vendor / car product line / car). No authentication is needed, which allows attacks from the local Wi-Fi network.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/10/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-11478 affects Vgate iCar 2 Wi-Fi OBD2 Dongle devices, representing a critical security flaw in automotive diagnostic communication systems. This device serves as an interface between vehicles and mobile applications, enabling users to access real-time vehicle data through the onboard diagnostics port. The OBD2 standard was originally designed for diagnostic purposes and vehicle maintenance, but its implementation in consumer devices has introduced significant security risks when proper authentication mechanisms are omitted.
The technical flaw resides in the lack of authentication requirements for commands transmitted through the Wi-Fi interface of the OBD2 dongle. This absence of authentication creates an unauthenticated attack surface that allows malicious actors within the local Wi-Fi network to send arbitrary commands to the vehicle's electronic control units without proper authorization. The vulnerability specifically affects the communication protocol between the dongle and the vehicle's diagnostic system, where the device fails to verify the identity of command sources. This weakness directly maps to CWE-305 authentication vulnerability, where authentication mechanisms are insufficient or completely absent, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.005 for command and scripting interpreter usage in automotive contexts.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data access, as it enables potential remote vehicle control and manipulation of critical automotive systems. Attackers can exploit this weakness to send malicious commands that may affect vehicle performance, safety systems, or even compromise vehicle security. The local network access requirement means that attackers must be within range of the Wi-Fi network or have gained access to the network through other means, but the lack of authentication removes any barriers to command execution. This vulnerability particularly affects automotive cybersecurity frameworks where proper network segmentation and access controls are not implemented, making it a significant concern for vehicle security and connected car ecosystems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-11478 should focus on implementing proper authentication mechanisms within the OBD2 communication protocol. Network administrators should enforce strict access controls and implement network segmentation to isolate automotive diagnostic networks from general-purpose Wi-Fi networks. Device manufacturers should update firmware to include authentication requirements and secure communication protocols. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of applying security by design principles to automotive systems, as outlined in automotive cybersecurity standards such as ISO/SAE 21434, which emphasizes the need for robust authentication and authorization mechanisms in vehicle networks. Additionally, users should be advised to disable unnecessary Wi-Fi features when not actively using diagnostic applications and to regularly update device firmware to address known vulnerabilities.