CVE-2018-9320 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 local attack when a USB device is plugged in.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/10/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-9320 affects the Head Unit HU_NBT component in BMW vehicles spanning multiple model lines including the i Series, X Series, 3 Series, 5 Series, and 7 Series from production years 2012 through 2018. This represents a significant security weakness within the automotive infotainment system architecture that exposes vehicles to potential local attack vectors. The flaw specifically manifests when a USB device is connected to the vehicle's system, creating an attack surface that adversaries can exploit to gain unauthorized access to critical vehicle functions.
This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and security controls within the USB device handling mechanism of the infotainment system. The flaw constitutes a local attack vector as defined by CWE-250, where an attacker with physical access to the vehicle can leverage the USB connection to execute malicious code or gain elevated privileges within the system. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-327, indicating weaknesses in cryptographic systems that could potentially allow unauthorized access to vehicle control functions. The attack requires minimal prerequisites since it only necessitates physical connection of a malicious USB device, making it particularly concerning for automotive security.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized data access to potentially compromising vehicle safety and security systems. When an attacker successfully exploits this vulnerability through USB insertion, they could potentially gain access to vehicle diagnostic functions, entertainment system controls, or even critical vehicle control modules that communicate through the same network infrastructure. This represents a direct threat to vehicle integrity and could enable attackers to manipulate vehicle settings, access sensitive data, or potentially interfere with vehicle operation. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that many of these vehicle models have been in production for several years, meaning a substantial number of vehicles remain potentially vulnerable.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on both immediate and long-term security measures. Immediate actions include disabling USB ports when not in use, implementing USB device authorization protocols, and conducting regular security assessments of vehicle infotainment systems. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation between the infotainment system and critical vehicle control systems to prevent lateral movement of attacks. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure boot processes and runtime application control mechanisms as outlined in the automotive security framework. Additionally, vehicle manufacturers should implement robust firmware update mechanisms that can address such vulnerabilities without requiring physical intervention, aligning with industry best practices for automotive cybersecurity and the principles outlined in the ISO/SAE 21434 standard for road vehicle cybersecurity.