CVE-2023-28911 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. The issue results from the lack of proper validation of user-supplied data, which can result in an arbitrary channel disconnection. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to cause a denial-of-service attack for every connected client of the infotainment device. 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-2023-28911 represents a critical flaw within the Bluetooth stack implementation of the MIB3 infotainment system used in Volkswagen Group vehicles including the Skoda Superb III. This issue stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize user-supplied data before processing within the Bluetooth communication protocols. The flaw specifically manifests as a lack of proper data validation within the Bluetooth stack components responsible for managing wireless connections between the infotainment system and external Bluetooth devices. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-20, which describes improper input validation, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1499.004 for network denial of service attacks. The root cause lies in the absence of robust sanitization checks that should occur during Bluetooth connection establishment and maintenance phases, allowing maliciously crafted data packets to exploit the system's communication protocols.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple disruption to encompass a comprehensive denial-of-service condition that affects all connected Bluetooth clients simultaneously. An attacker positioned within the wireless range of the affected vehicle can exploit this weakness by transmitting specially crafted Bluetooth packets designed to trigger the validation failure. The resulting consequence is an arbitrary channel disconnection that effectively terminates all active Bluetooth connections to the infotainment system, rendering features such as hands-free calling, audio streaming, and device pairing unavailable to vehicle occupants. This vulnerability particularly affects the MIB3 infotainment unit with OEM part number 3V0035820 and related variants, creating a widespread risk across the Volkswagen Group automotive portfolio. The attack vector requires only proximity to the vehicle and does not necessitate physical access or complex exploitation techniques, making it particularly concerning from a cybersecurity perspective.
The security implications of CVE-2023-28911 extend to vehicle safety and user experience degradation, as Bluetooth connectivity is integral to modern automotive infotainment systems. When the Bluetooth stack fails due to improper data validation, the entire wireless communication infrastructure of the vehicle's infotainment system becomes compromised, potentially leading to situations where drivers cannot access critical connectivity features while operating the vehicle. This vulnerability represents a significant concern for automotive cybersecurity frameworks, particularly as vehicles become increasingly connected and dependent on wireless communication protocols. The flaw demonstrates the importance of robust input validation in embedded systems and highlights the potential for remote exploitation of automotive infotainment systems. The vulnerability's classification under ATT&CK framework as a network denial of service attack underscores the need for automotive manufacturers to implement comprehensive security controls throughout their vehicle communication stacks. Mitigation strategies should include firmware updates that implement proper input sanitization, network segmentation to isolate critical systems, and continuous monitoring of Bluetooth connection states to detect anomalous behavior patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts.