CVE-2018-9311 in Vehicle
Summary
by MITRE
The Telematics Control Unit (aka Telematic Communication Box or TCB), when present on BMW vehicles produced in 2012 through 2018, allows a remote attack via a cellular network.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/10/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-9311 affects the Telematics Control Unit (TCU) found in BMW vehicles manufactured between 2012 and 2018, representing a critical security flaw that enables remote exploitation through cellular network connections. This vulnerability resides within the vehicle's telematics system, which serves as a communication bridge between the vehicle and external networks, facilitating services such as emergency assistance, remote diagnostics, and over-the-air software updates. The TCU acts as a gateway for cellular communications and is designed to maintain connectivity for various vehicle functions, making it a prime target for attackers seeking unauthorized access to vehicle systems.
The technical flaw stems from insufficient authentication mechanisms and weak cryptographic implementations within the TCU's cellular communication protocols. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability remotely through the cellular network without requiring physical access to the vehicle, allowing them to execute arbitrary code on the TCU and potentially gain control over vehicle functions. The vulnerability is classified as a remote code execution flaw that operates at the network level, enabling attackers to manipulate the vehicle's telematics system from external locations. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-284 Access Control Issues, where insufficient access controls permit unauthorized remote execution of commands.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privacy concerns to encompass serious safety and security implications for vehicle owners. Attackers could potentially intercept sensitive vehicle data, manipulate vehicle functions, or even disable critical systems that affect vehicle operation. The remote nature of the attack means that vehicles can be compromised while parked or in motion, creating significant risks for both personal safety and vehicle security. This vulnerability directly affects the automotive cybersecurity domain and represents a breach in the vehicle's attack surface, as outlined in the automotive security framework where the telematics system constitutes a critical entry point.
Security researchers have documented that the vulnerability allows for unauthorized access to vehicle telematics services, potentially enabling attackers to perform actions such as disabling emergency services, accessing vehicle location data, or manipulating vehicle settings. The attack vector through cellular networks means that vehicles are vulnerable regardless of their geographic location, as long as cellular coverage is available. This vulnerability is particularly concerning given the increasing integration of connected vehicle services and the growing reliance on remote vehicle management systems. Mitigation strategies include firmware updates from BMW to address authentication weaknesses and cryptographic flaws, network segmentation to isolate telematics systems, and implementing network monitoring solutions to detect suspicious cellular traffic patterns. Organizations should reference the automotive security standards such as ISO/SAE 21434 and NIST SP 800-161 for comprehensive vehicle cybersecurity frameworks. The vulnerability also relates to ATT&CK technique T1547.001 for registry run keys and T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter, as attackers may attempt to establish persistence and execute malicious commands through the compromised telematics system. Vehicle manufacturers and cybersecurity professionals must prioritize addressing such vulnerabilities through proactive security measures and regular security assessments to protect connected vehicle ecosystems.