CVE-2023-28910 in Volkswagen MIB3 Infotainment System MIB3 OI MQB
Summary
by MITRE • 06/28/2025
A specific flaw exists within the Bluetooth stack of the MIB3 infotainment system. The issue results from the disabled abortion flag eventually leading to bypassing assertion functions. 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 • 06/28/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-28910 represents a critical security flaw within the Bluetooth stack implementation of the MIB3 infotainment system used in automotive environments. This issue specifically affects vehicles manufactured by Skoda, particularly the Superb III model, and demonstrates how embedded systems in modern vehicles can contain fundamental software design weaknesses that may compromise overall vehicle security. The affected system utilizes OEM part number 3V0035820 for the MIB3 infotainment unit, which serves as a central hub for vehicle connectivity and entertainment functionalities. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of abort flags within the Bluetooth communication protocols, creating a pathway for potential exploitation that could affect vehicle safety and privacy. This type of vulnerability is particularly concerning in automotive contexts where infotainment systems often share network resources with critical vehicle control systems, creating potential attack vectors that could be leveraged by malicious actors.
The technical root cause of CVE-2023-28910 lies in the improper management of abortion flags within the Bluetooth stack implementation of the MIB3 system. When certain communication protocols are interrupted or terminated, the system should properly handle the abort flag to ensure that assertion functions are maintained and validated. However, in this case, the abortion flag is being disabled or improperly managed, which allows the system to bypass critical assertion checks that would normally validate the integrity of Bluetooth communications. This flaw falls under the category of improper handling of abort or cancellation conditions, which is categorized as CWE-703 in the Common Weakness Enumeration framework. The vulnerability essentially creates a condition where the system continues processing Bluetooth communications even when they should be terminated, potentially allowing unauthorized access or manipulation of the infotainment system's Bluetooth capabilities.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple connectivity issues and represents a significant risk to vehicle security and user privacy. Automotive manufacturers and fleet operators must recognize that infotainment systems often serve as entry points for broader vehicle network attacks, particularly when they maintain connectivity to external devices and networks. The bypassing of assertion functions could potentially allow attackers to manipulate Bluetooth pairing processes, gain unauthorized access to vehicle features, or even potentially interfere with other vehicle systems that communicate through shared network protocols. This vulnerability aligns with tactics described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework for automotive systems, specifically those related to initial access through vehicle infotainment systems and privilege escalation through system component manipulation. The affected vehicles may become vulnerable to attacks that could compromise personal data stored in the infotainment system, enable unauthorized device pairing, or potentially disrupt vehicle operation through Bluetooth-based interfaces.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-28910 require immediate action from vehicle manufacturers and owners to address the fundamental software flaw within the MIB3 Bluetooth stack. The primary recommended approach involves implementing firmware updates that properly manage abortion flags and restore assertion function validation within the Bluetooth communication protocols. These updates should be thoroughly tested to ensure they do not introduce regressions in vehicle functionality while addressing the core vulnerability. Additionally, vehicle owners should consider disabling Bluetooth features when not actively needed, particularly in situations where vehicle security is paramount. Network segmentation and monitoring of Bluetooth communications can provide additional layers of defense by detecting anomalous behavior patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Security professionals should also implement continuous monitoring of vehicle networks for unauthorized Bluetooth pairing attempts and ensure that vehicle security updates are applied promptly to address similar vulnerabilities in related systems. The vulnerability highlights the importance of robust software validation in automotive systems and underscores the need for comprehensive security testing throughout the vehicle development lifecycle to prevent similar issues from arising in future implementations.