CVE-2023-40291 in Infotainment
Summary
by MITRE • 08/14/2023
Harman Infotainment 20190525031613 allows root access via SSH over a USB-to-Ethernet dongle with a password that is an internal project name.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/27/2026
This vulnerability exists within Harman Infotainment systems version 20190525031613 where an insecure default credential configuration permits unauthorized root access through secure shell protocol over a usb to ethernet connection. The flaw stems from the use of a predictable password that corresponds to an internal project name, creating a significant security risk for automotive infotainment systems. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it allows attackers to gain root privileges without requiring additional authentication mechanisms or exploitation of other system weaknesses. This represents a critical failure in the principle of least privilege and demonstrates poor security practices in embedded system development.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the system's ssh daemon configuration where default credentials are hardcoded and easily discoverable through internal documentation or project references. The password being an internal project name indicates inadequate security review processes and suggests that the development team may have used development or testing credentials in production environments. This configuration allows for remote code execution with full administrative privileges, enabling attackers to manipulate system settings, access sensitive data, or install malicious software. The use of a usb to ethernet dongle as the attack vector provides physical access points that may be present in vehicle infotainment systems, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in automotive environments.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access to include potential vehicle control system compromise, data exfiltration, and privacy violations. Attackers could exploit this weakness to monitor communications, modify vehicle settings, or gain access to personal information stored within the infotainment system. The vulnerability also raises concerns about supply chain security and the potential for attackers to use this access to escalate privileges to other connected vehicle systems. This type of vulnerability is classified under common weakness enumeration CWE-798 which specifically addresses the use of hard-coded credentials, and aligns with attack techniques described in the attack tree framework under credential access and privilege escalation categories.
Mitigation strategies should include immediate implementation of strong, unique passwords for all system accounts, disabling unnecessary remote access protocols, and implementing network segmentation to isolate infotainment systems from critical vehicle functions. Organizations should conduct comprehensive security audits of embedded systems, implement proper credential management processes, and establish secure development lifecycle practices. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be performed to identify similar hardcoded credentials or weak authentication mechanisms. Additionally, system administrators should monitor for unauthorized access attempts and implement intrusion detection systems to alert on suspicious activities. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of following automotive cybersecurity standards such as iso 21434 and nist cybersecurity framework to prevent similar issues in future deployments.