CVE-2023-28895 in Superb III
Summary
by MITRE • 12/01/2023
The password for access to the debugging console of the PoWer Controller chip (PWC) of the MIB3 infotainment is hard-coded in the firmware. The console allows attackers with physical access to the MIB3 unit to gain full control over the PWC chip.
Vulnerability found on Škoda Superb III (3V3) - 2.0 TDI manufactured in 2022.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/21/2023
The vulnerability described in CVE-2023-28895 represents a critical security flaw in the MIB3 infotainment system of Škoda Superb III vehicles manufactured in 2022. This issue stems from a fundamental design oversight where a hard-coded password is embedded within the firmware of the Power Controller chip, creating an inherent backdoor access mechanism. The PoWer Controller chip serves as a critical component within the vehicle's infotainment architecture, making this vulnerability particularly concerning from both cybersecurity and automotive security perspectives. The presence of such a hard-coded credential directly violates security best practices and demonstrates a lack of proper authentication mechanisms within the vehicle's embedded systems.
The technical flaw manifests through the implementation of a hardcoded password within the firmware of the PWC chip, which provides access to the debugging console. This debugging interface, when accessible through physical access to the MIB3 unit, grants attackers complete control over the Power Controller chip's operations. The vulnerability specifically affects the MIB3 infotainment system architecture, where the debugging console serves as a legitimate administrative interface but becomes exploitable due to the hard-coded credentials. This design flaw creates a persistent access vector that cannot be mitigated through standard password management practices or updates, as the credential itself is embedded within the system firmware rather than being dynamically generated or managed.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability enables attackers with physical access to the vehicle's MIB3 unit to achieve full administrative control over the Power Controller chip, potentially allowing them to manipulate vehicle functions, access sensitive data, or compromise the vehicle's overall security posture. The attack surface is limited to physical access scenarios, but this constraint does not diminish the severity of the vulnerability. The implications extend beyond simple unauthorized access to include potential vehicle control manipulation, data exfiltration, and the possibility of cascading security issues within the vehicle's interconnected systems. This vulnerability directly relates to CWE-259, which addresses the use of hard-coded passwords or keys, and represents a classic example of insecure credential storage in embedded systems.
The exploitation of this vulnerability aligns with tactics described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1211 category, which covers "Exploitation for Defense Evasion" and T1059 which covers "Command and Scripting Interpreter." Attackers can leverage the physical access to the MIB3 unit to access the debugging console, potentially using this access to modify firmware, extract sensitive information, or establish persistent access points. The vehicle's infotainment system represents a prime target for automotive security threats due to its connectivity and the potential for lateral movement within the vehicle's network architecture. The vulnerability's persistence across vehicle updates and the inability to change the hardcoded credential makes it particularly dangerous in automotive environments where security patches may be infrequent or difficult to deploy.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate attention from both vehicle manufacturers and fleet operators. The primary recommendation involves implementing firmware updates that either remove or obfuscate the hardcoded credentials, though this approach may be limited by the embedded nature of the system. Physical security measures should be enhanced to prevent unauthorized access to the MIB3 unit, including tamper-evident seals and secure storage locations. Vehicle owners should be advised to maintain physical control over their vehicle's infotainment systems and be aware of potential tampering indicators. The automotive industry should adopt more robust security practices in embedded system design, including proper credential management, secure boot mechanisms, and regular security assessments of vehicle components. Additionally, manufacturers should implement proper access control mechanisms that prevent unauthorized debugging access, as outlined in automotive security standards such as ISO/SAE 21434 and the automotive cybersecurity guidelines from NIST, which emphasize the importance of secure development practices and proper authentication mechanisms in automotive systems.