CVE-2023-28904 in Volkswagen MIB3 infotainment system MIB3 OI MQB
Summary
by MITRE • 06/28/2025
A logic flaw leading to a RAM buffer overflow in the bootloader component of the MIB3 infotainment unit allows an attacker with physical access to the MIB3 ECU to bypass firmware signature verification and run arbitrary code in the infotainment system at boot process.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/01/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-28904 represents a critical security flaw within the bootloader component of the MIB3 infotainment unit manufactured by Volkswagen Group. This issue stems from a logic flaw that manifests as a RAM buffer overflow, creating a pathway for malicious actors to compromise the vehicle's infotainment system. The vulnerability specifically targets the bootloader phase of the boot process, which is a crucial stage where firmware signature verification occurs to ensure system integrity. The MIB3 infotainment unit serves as a central control hub for vehicle entertainment and information systems, making this vulnerability particularly concerning from both cybersecurity and automotive safety perspectives.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a buffer overflow condition within the RAM memory space utilized by the bootloader during the firmware verification process. When the bootloader attempts to process firmware images, it fails to properly validate input boundaries, allowing an attacker to overflow the allocated buffer space. This overflow enables the execution of arbitrary code with elevated privileges during the boot sequence, effectively bypassing the intended signature verification mechanisms. The flaw demonstrates characteristics consistent with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, though the specific implementation occurs in RAM rather than stack memory. The vulnerability's exploitation requires physical access to the MIB3 ECU, positioning it within the ATT&CK framework under the technique of "Physical Access" and potentially leveraging "Bootkit" or "Rootkit" methodologies for persistent system compromise.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-28904 extends beyond simple code execution capabilities, as it fundamentally undermines the security architecture of the vehicle's infotainment system. Once exploited, attackers can gain complete control over the MIB3 unit and potentially leverage this access to compromise other vehicle systems that may communicate through the same network infrastructure. The vulnerability's timing during the boot process means that the compromise occurs before normal security measures can be activated, effectively creating a window of opportunity for attackers to establish persistent access. This type of vulnerability represents a significant concern in the automotive industry, as it directly impacts the integrity of vehicle firmware and could potentially enable more sophisticated attacks such as remote code execution or data exfiltration. The requirement for physical access, while limiting the attack surface, does not eliminate the risk entirely, as attackers could potentially gain access through various means including supply chain compromise or social engineering.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-28904 must address both the immediate vulnerability and broader security architecture considerations. Vehicle manufacturers should implement firmware updates that correct the buffer overflow condition within the bootloader component, ensuring proper input validation and boundary checking mechanisms are in place. The vulnerability highlights the need for robust security-by-design principles in automotive systems, emphasizing the importance of memory safety mechanisms and secure boot processes. Organizations should also consider implementing additional security controls such as hardware security modules, secure enclaves, or trusted platform modules to protect critical boot components. From an operational security standpoint, the vulnerability underscores the importance of maintaining up-to-date firmware and implementing network segmentation strategies to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. The mitigation approach should align with automotive cybersecurity frameworks such as ISO/SAE 21434 and NIST Cybersecurity Framework, ensuring comprehensive protection across the vehicle's entire lifecycle. Regular security assessments and penetration testing of automotive systems should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the vehicle's electronic architecture.