CVE-2023-34397 in Head-Unit NTG6
Summary
by MITRE • 02/14/2025
Mercedes Benz head-unit NTG 6 contains functions to import or export profile settings over USB. During parsing you can trigger that the service will be crashed.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/25/2025
The CVE-2023-34397 vulnerability affects Mercedes Benz head-unit NTG 6 systems that support profile settings import or export over USB connections. This vulnerability represents a critical security flaw in the vehicle's infotainment system that could potentially enable remote code execution or system compromise through malicious USB device manipulation. The issue stems from improper input validation during the parsing of profile data when imported or exported via USB interfaces, creating a potential attack surface for adversaries who can leverage this weakness to disrupt normal vehicle operations.
The technical flaw manifests as a buffer overflow or memory corruption vulnerability within the USB profile parsing functionality of the NTG 6 system. When a maliciously crafted USB device attempts to import or export profile settings, the system fails to properly validate the incoming data structure, leading to a crash of the service responsible for handling these operations. This vulnerability falls under CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and potentially CWE-122, heap-based buffer overflow conditions, depending on the specific implementation details of the parsing routine. The vulnerability can be exploited through a simple USB connection with specially crafted profile data that triggers the parsing routine to exceed allocated memory boundaries.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple system crashes, as it could potentially allow attackers to gain unauthorized access to vehicle systems or disrupt critical infotainment functions during operation. In automotive contexts, this vulnerability could enable attackers to cause temporary service interruptions or potentially escalate privileges within the vehicle's system architecture. The attack vector is particularly concerning as it requires minimal physical access to the vehicle, merely the ability to connect a malicious USB device, making it suitable for both targeted attacks and broader exploitation campaigns. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.005, which covers command and scripting interpreter for remote access, and T1133, which covers external remote services, as it enables unauthorized access through USB interfaces.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-34397 should include immediate firmware updates from Mercedes-Benz to address the parsing vulnerability in the NTG 6 system. Organizations and vehicle owners should implement strict USB device access controls, limiting profile import/export operations to authorized devices only. Network segmentation and monitoring of USB connection activities can help detect suspicious behavior patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, implementing secure coding practices for USB interface handling, including proper input validation and bounds checking, can prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in future implementations. Regular security assessments of vehicle infotainment systems and adherence to automotive cybersecurity standards such as ISO/SAE 21434 should be maintained to prevent exploitation of similar weaknesses in connected vehicle systems.