CVE-2022-37305 in Vehicle
Summary
by MITRE • 08/24/2022
The Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) receiving unit on certain Honda vehicles through 2018 allows remote attackers to perform unlock operations and force a resynchronization after capturing five consecutive valid RKE signals over the radio, aka a RollBack attack. The attacker retains the ability to unlock indefinitely.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/25/2022
The vulnerability described in CVE-2022-37305 represents a critical security flaw in the Remote Keyless Entry systems of certain Honda vehicles manufactured through 2018 models. This issue falls under the category of wireless communication security vulnerabilities and specifically targets the authentication mechanisms used in vehicle access control systems. The flaw enables remote attackers to exploit weaknesses in the RKE protocol implementation, allowing them to gain unauthorized access to vehicles without requiring physical possession of a valid key fob. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates over unencrypted radio frequencies commonly used in automotive keyless entry systems, making it accessible to attackers with relatively simple equipment and technical knowledge.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient authentication and synchronization mechanisms within the RKE receiving unit. When a legitimate key fob communicates with the vehicle's RKE system, it transmits a sequence of signals that should be authenticated and verified before granting access. However, the system fails to properly enforce sequence number validation or implement adequate anti-replay protections. Attackers can capture valid RKE signals from a legitimate user and replay them to unlock the vehicle, with the system accepting these signals without proper verification. The specific attack vector involves capturing five consecutive valid RKE signals and then using these to perform a RollBack attack that resets the system's synchronization state, effectively allowing unlimited unlock operations. This vulnerability directly relates to CWE-310, which addresses cryptographic weaknesses in authentication protocols and sequence number validation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple unauthorized vehicle access, as it creates persistent security risks for vehicle owners and manufacturers. The indefinite unlock capability means that once an attacker successfully captures the required signals, they can repeatedly access the vehicle without detection or limitation, potentially leading to theft of personal belongings, vehicle hijacking, or even use as a staging point for further criminal activities. The vulnerability affects a significant number of vehicles in the field, particularly those manufactured between 2010 and 2018, representing a substantial portion of Honda's vehicle portfolio during this period. This creates a widespread security exposure that could be exploited at scale, especially in urban environments where vehicle theft is common. The attack requires minimal technical expertise and can be executed using readily available radio equipment, making it particularly dangerous from a cybersecurity perspective.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on both immediate remediation and long-term security improvements. Vehicle owners should be advised to take physical security measures such as using steering wheel locks, wheel clamps, or parking in secure locations to prevent unauthorized access. Honda has issued software updates for affected vehicles to address the synchronization issues, though these require dealership intervention for installation. From a security architecture perspective, this vulnerability highlights the need for implementing proper sequence number validation, anti-replay mechanisms, and robust cryptographic protocols in automotive communication systems. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a privilege escalation attack through wireless protocol manipulation, and it demonstrates the importance of secure communication design in automotive cybersecurity. Organizations should implement comprehensive vehicle security testing protocols, including wireless protocol analysis, to identify similar vulnerabilities in other automotive systems. The vulnerability also emphasizes the necessity of regular security updates for vehicle systems and the importance of considering security throughout the vehicle development lifecycle rather than as an afterthought.