CVE-2023-28902 in Volkswagen MIB3 Infotainment System MIB3 OI MQB
Summary
by MITRE • 06/28/2025
An integer underflow in the image processing binary of the MIB3 infotainment unit allows an attacker with local access to the vehicle to cause denial-of-service of the infotainment system. The vulnerability was originally discovered in Skoda Superb III car with MIB3 infotainment unit OEM part number 3V0035820. The list of affected MIB3 OEM part numbers is provided in the referenced resources.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/01/2025
The vulnerability CVE-2023-28902 represents a critical integer underflow condition within the image processing binary component of the MIB3 infotainment system found in certain Volkswagen Group vehicles including the Skoda Superb III. This flaw exists in the firmware level processing of image data and specifically affects the handling of numerical values during image manipulation operations. The vulnerability manifests when the system processes certain image files that trigger an arithmetic underflow condition in the integer variables used for image dimension calculations or memory allocation parameters. Such integer underflow conditions are classified under CWE-191 as Integer Underflow (Wrap or Wraparound) and fall within the broader category of CWE-190 as Integer Overflow or Wraparound. The root cause stems from inadequate input validation and bounds checking within the image processing pipeline where the system fails to properly validate image metadata or dimensions before performing mathematical operations that could result in negative integer values when the expected positive values are exceeded or when malformed data is processed.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial-of-service conditions as it represents a potential pathway for more sophisticated attacks targeting vehicle infotainment systems. An attacker with local physical access to the vehicle can exploit this vulnerability by providing specially crafted image files that trigger the integer underflow condition, causing the infotainment system to crash or become unresponsive. This denial-of-service scenario can potentially disrupt critical vehicle functions that depend on the infotainment system's availability, including navigation services, media playback, and connectivity features. The attack surface is particularly concerning as it requires only local access to the vehicle, making it accessible through physical proximity or through compromised vehicle entry points. From an attack framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1499.004 for Endpoint Denial of Service, as it enables an attacker to disrupt system availability through manipulation of image processing components.
The exploitation of this vulnerability demonstrates a fundamental weakness in automotive cybersecurity where legacy code patterns and insufficient input validation create opportunities for attackers to manipulate system behavior through carefully crafted inputs. The affected MIB3 infotainment units with OEM part numbers including 3V0035820 represent a significant portion of Volkswagen Group vehicles that may be susceptible to this class of vulnerability, highlighting the need for comprehensive security assessments of automotive software components. The integer underflow condition specifically affects the image processing binary's handling of image file headers or metadata that contain dimension values, where the system attempts to perform mathematical operations that result in negative integer values when the expected positive values are exceeded. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous in automotive environments where system reliability is paramount, as it can lead to complete system failure or unpredictable behavior during critical driving conditions. Security researchers have identified that such vulnerabilities often stem from insufficient bounds checking and improper handling of arithmetic operations in embedded systems where performance optimization may have compromised security controls.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-28902 should focus on immediate firmware updates from vehicle manufacturers, which would include patched image processing binaries that properly validate integer values and implement bounds checking to prevent underflow conditions. Organizations should implement comprehensive vehicle security monitoring to detect anomalous image file processing patterns that may indicate attempted exploitation. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of secure coding practices in automotive software development, particularly around arithmetic operations and input validation. Vehicle manufacturers should conduct thorough security assessments of all embedded systems components and implement robust testing procedures for image processing and multimedia handling functions. From a defensive standpoint, network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit local access to vehicle systems, while continuous monitoring of infotainment system behavior can help detect exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a reminder that automotive cybersecurity requires systematic approaches to software security including threat modeling, secure coding standards, and regular security assessments to prevent similar integer underflow conditions from compromising vehicle safety and functionality.