CVE-2018-9313 in BMW
Summary
by MITRE
The Head Unit HU_NBT (aka Infotainment) component on BMW i Series, BMW X Series, BMW 3 Series, BMW 5 Series, and BMW 7 Series vehicles produced in 2012 through 2018 allows a remote attack via Bluetooth when in pairing mode, leading to a Head Unit reboot.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/10/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-9313 affects the Head Unit HU_NBT component in BMW vehicles spanning multiple series including i Series X Series 3 Series 5 Series and 7 Series manufactured between 2012 and 2018. This represents a significant security concern as it exposes vehicles to remote attack vectors through the Bluetooth communication interface. The flaw specifically manifests when the infotainment system operates in pairing mode creating an attack surface that adversaries can exploit without physical access to the vehicle. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-284 which deals with improper access control mechanisms and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1210 involving exploitation of remote services through network-based attacks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate security controls within the Bluetooth pairing process of the infotainment system. When the vehicle's head unit enters pairing mode it maintains an open communication channel that lacks proper authentication and authorization mechanisms. Attackers can leverage this weakness to send malicious Bluetooth packets that trigger a system reboot of the head unit component. The attack requires no specialized equipment or deep technical knowledge of automotive systems making it particularly concerning from a security perspective. This vulnerability demonstrates a fundamental flaw in the automotive security architecture where wireless communication interfaces are not properly secured during operational modes that should be restricted.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-9313 extends beyond simple system disruption as it can potentially compromise vehicle functionality and user experience. A remote reboot of the head unit can interrupt navigation services audio playback and other infotainment features that drivers and passengers rely upon during travel. More critically this vulnerability could serve as a stepping stone for more sophisticated attacks as it provides an entry point that may allow attackers to gain deeper access to vehicle systems. The timing of the vulnerability is particularly concerning since it affects vehicles produced over a six-year period across multiple BMW series, indicating a widespread exposure that would be difficult to remediate through simple software updates. The attack vector through Bluetooth pairing mode also suggests that vehicles may be vulnerable during routine operations such as when connecting smartphones or other devices.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on both immediate defensive measures and long-term architectural improvements. Vehicle owners should avoid pairing devices when not necessary and ensure that Bluetooth pairing mode is disabled when not actively connecting new devices. BMW should implement proper access control mechanisms during pairing operations and consider firmware updates that would disable pairing mode when the vehicle is in motion or when certain security conditions are not met. The vulnerability highlights the importance of applying security by design principles to automotive systems and aligns with NIST SP 800-82 guidelines for industrial control systems security. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and monitoring for unusual Bluetooth activity patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts. This vulnerability serves as a reminder that automotive security must evolve to address the growing complexity of connected vehicle systems and the expanding attack surface created by wireless connectivity features.