CVE-2019-9977 in Model 3
Summary
by MITRE
The renderer process in the entertainment system on Tesla Model 3 vehicles mishandles JIT compilation, which allows attackers to trigger firmware code execution, and display a crafted message to vehicle occupants.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/04/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-9977 represents a critical security flaw within the entertainment system of Tesla Model 3 vehicles, specifically affecting the renderer process responsible for handling JavaScript Just-In-Time compilation. This issue stems from improper handling of JIT compilation within the vehicle's infotainment system, creating a pathway for remote code execution that could potentially compromise the entire vehicle's operational integrity. The vulnerability exists in the web-based interface components that manage multimedia content and user interactions, making it particularly concerning given the increasing integration of web technologies in automotive systems. The flaw allows attackers to manipulate the JavaScript engine's behavior during runtime compilation, enabling them to execute arbitrary code within the context of the entertainment system's renderer process.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of JavaScript code that gets compiled by the JIT engine, which then executes with elevated privileges within the vehicle's entertainment system environment. This misconfiguration creates a code execution sandbox that can be leveraged to bypass normal security boundaries, potentially allowing attackers to gain access to underlying vehicle systems. The vulnerability specifically targets the renderer process which handles web content rendering, including HTML, CSS, and JavaScript components that power the vehicle's touchscreen interface. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and memory management during JIT compilation phases, where attacker-controlled data can influence the compilation process and ultimately lead to code execution. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-787, representing an out-of-bounds write condition that can be exploited through improper memory handling during dynamic code compilation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple display manipulation, as it provides attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary firmware code that could potentially affect vehicle functionality and safety systems. Vehicle occupants could be exposed to malicious content that appears legitimate, creating social engineering opportunities for more sophisticated attacks. The ability to display crafted messages to vehicle occupants represents a direct threat to passenger safety and vehicle security, as attackers could potentially manipulate warning systems or display misleading information. This vulnerability could be exploited remotely through various attack vectors including compromised web services, malicious websites, or even through connected devices that interface with the vehicle's entertainment system. The implications are particularly severe given that the entertainment system often serves as an entry point to other vehicle subsystems, potentially allowing attackers to escalate privileges and access critical automotive functions.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-9977 should focus on immediate firmware updates from Tesla, which addressed the JIT compilation handling issues through enhanced input validation and memory management protocols. Network segmentation and monitoring of vehicle entertainment system traffic can help detect anomalous behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts. The implementation of secure coding practices and regular security assessments for web-based components in automotive systems is essential to prevent similar vulnerabilities. Organizations should also consider deploying intrusion detection systems specifically designed to monitor vehicle network traffic for suspicious patterns related to code execution attempts. This vulnerability highlights the importance of applying security measures to automotive web technologies and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059, which covers command and scripting interpreter usage, particularly in the context of JavaScript-based attacks. The incident underscores the need for automotive security frameworks that consider the unique attack surface presented by modern vehicle infotainment systems and their integration with broader vehicle networks.