CVE-2019-20626 in HR-V 2017
Summary
by MITRE
The remote keyless system on Honda HR-V 2017 vehicles sends the same RF signal for each door-open request, which might allow a replay attack.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/18/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-20626 represents a critical security flaw in the remote keyless entry system of Honda HR-V 2017 vehicles, constituting a significant risk to vehicle security and owner privacy. This issue stems from the implementation of a static RF signal transmission protocol that fails to incorporate proper cryptographic measures or authentication mechanisms. The flaw exists within the vehicle's wireless communication system that governs access control and door operation functions, specifically affecting the remote keyless entry module responsible for processing commands from authorized key fobs.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a fundamental weakness in the cryptographic design of the vehicle's wireless communication protocol. The system generates identical RF signals for every door-open request, eliminating any form of dynamic challenge-response mechanism or unique session identifiers that would typically prevent replay attacks. This static signal generation pattern creates a predictable communication sequence that adversaries can easily capture, store, and retransmit to gain unauthorized access to vehicle functions. The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-310, which addresses cryptographic weaknesses and specifically targets the absence of proper cryptographic implementation in security protocols. The lack of signal authentication and encryption means that any individual who intercepts a legitimate signal can replay it indefinitely without detection, creating an open door for unauthorized vehicle access.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a severe risk to vehicle owners and the automotive industry's security posture. The replay attack capability allows potential thieves to gain access to vehicles simply by recording a legitimate signal transmission and reusing it at a later time, effectively bypassing the entire keyless entry security system. This vulnerability operates at the physical layer of vehicle security, where the wireless communication protocol fails to provide adequate protection against passive eavesdropping and active replay attacks. The attack surface is particularly concerning because it requires minimal technical expertise or specialized equipment to exploit, making it accessible to a broad range of potential attackers. The vulnerability also impacts vehicle insurance and security assessments, as it represents a fundamental flaw in the vehicle's built-in security architecture that cannot be easily mitigated through software updates alone.
The mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term security architecture improvements. Vehicle manufacturers should implement cryptographic protocols that incorporate unique identifiers, time-based challenges, or encrypted communication channels to prevent signal replay attacks. The solution requires the adoption of industry-standard security practices that align with automotive security frameworks such as ISO/SAE 21434, which provides guidelines for cybersecurity throughout the vehicle lifecycle. Additionally, the implementation of rolling code technology or similar dynamic authentication mechanisms would significantly enhance the security posture of keyless entry systems. Security updates and patches should be designed to upgrade the communication protocol without requiring physical intervention at the vehicle level, though the static nature of this vulnerability may necessitate hardware modifications or replacement of the keyless entry module. Organizations should also consider implementing continuous monitoring systems that can detect anomalous signal patterns or unauthorized access attempts. The vulnerability underscores the importance of adhering to security-by-design principles in automotive systems and highlights the critical need for comprehensive security assessments during the development phase of vehicle communication protocols.