CVE-2023-3028 in HQT401
Summary
by MITRE • 06/01/2023
Insufficient authentication in the MQTT backend (broker) allows an attacker to access and even manipulate the telemetry data of the entire fleet of vehicles using the HopeChart HQT-401 telematics unit. Other models are possibly affected too.
Multiple vulnerabilities were identified:
- The MQTT backend does not require authentication, allowing unauthorized connections from an attacker.
- The vehicles publish their telemetry data (e.g. GPS Location, speed, odometer, fuel, etc) as messages in public topics. The backend also sends commands to the vehicles as MQTT posts in public topics. As a result, an attacker can access the confidential data of the entire fleet that is managed by the backend.
- The MQTT messages sent by the vehicles or the backend are not encrypted or authenticated. An attacker can create and post messages to impersonate a vehicle or the backend. The attacker could then, for example, send incorrect information to the backend about the vehicle's location.
- The backend can inject data into a vehicle´s CAN bus by sending a specific MQTT message on a public topic. Because these messages are not authenticated or encrypted, an attacker could impersonate the backend, create a fake message and inject CAN data in any vehicle managed by the backend.
The confirmed version is 201808021036, however further versions have been also identified as potentially impacted.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/25/2023
The CVE-2023-3028 vulnerability represents a critical security flaw in the HopeChart HQT-401 telematics unit that fundamentally compromises the integrity and confidentiality of vehicle telemetry data. This vulnerability stems from insufficient authentication mechanisms within the MQTT backend broker system, creating an attack surface that allows unauthorized access to entire vehicle fleets. The flaw manifests through multiple interconnected weaknesses that collectively undermine the security posture of connected vehicle systems. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it affects not only the specific HQT-401 model but potentially other devices in the HopeChart product line, indicating a systemic design flaw that requires immediate attention. This represents a significant deviation from established security best practices for industrial IoT and connected vehicle systems.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits fundamental weaknesses in the MQTT protocol usage within the telematics infrastructure. The MQTT backend fails to enforce authentication requirements, enabling any attacker to establish unauthorized connections to the messaging system. This lack of authentication creates a direct pathway for malicious actors to access public MQTT topics where vehicle telemetry data flows. The system publishes sensitive information including GPS location, speed, odometer readings, and fuel levels in openly accessible public topics, while simultaneously sending control commands through the same unauthenticated channels. This design violates the principle of least privilege and creates an environment where attackers can both monitor and manipulate vehicle operations. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-306, which addresses missing authentication, and demonstrates the dangerous consequences of inadequate access control mechanisms in IoT systems. The attack surface extends beyond simple data theft to include active manipulation of vehicle operations through command injection.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-3028 extends far beyond simple data exposure, creating potential for serious safety and security consequences. An attacker with access to the unauthenticated MQTT system can not only monitor real-time vehicle telemetry but also impersonate legitimate backend systems to inject false data into vehicle operations. This capability allows for location spoofing, speed manipulation, and other forms of data falsification that could compromise vehicle safety systems and fleet management operations. The vulnerability's ability to inject data into a vehicle's CAN bus through MQTT messages represents a particularly dangerous aspect that can directly affect vehicle control systems. The lack of encryption for MQTT messages means that attackers can not only read transmitted data but also create and broadcast malicious messages without detection. This vulnerability maps directly to ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol usage and T1566 for credential harvesting, as it enables unauthorized access to vehicle data and control mechanisms. The potential for cascading effects across entire vehicle fleets makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous for fleet operators and transportation companies.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-3028 must address the fundamental architectural flaws in the MQTT implementation. The most critical immediate action involves implementing robust authentication mechanisms for all MQTT connections, including username/password or certificate-based authentication. Network segmentation should be implemented to isolate critical vehicle communication channels from public access points, and all MQTT communications should be encrypted using TLS protocols to prevent eavesdropping and man-in-the-middle attacks. The system architecture requires redesign to eliminate public topics for sensitive telemetry data and implement proper access controls for all MQTT message exchanges. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual MQTT traffic patterns and unauthorized access attempts. Device firmware updates should be implemented to address the authentication and encryption gaps, and regular security assessments should be conducted to identify additional vulnerabilities in connected vehicle systems. Organizations should also implement network intrusion detection systems specifically configured to monitor for MQTT protocol anomalies and unauthorized access attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of following security frameworks such as NIST SP 800-53 and ISO/IEC 27001 for securing industrial control systems and IoT environments.