CVE-2024-46442 in Dilink Headunit System
Summary
by MITRE • 12/10/2024
An issue in the BYD Dilink Headunit System v3.0 to v4.0 allows attackers to bypass authentication via a bruteforce attack.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/10/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-46442 affects the BYD Dilink Headunit System version 3.0 through 4.0, representing a critical security weakness that undermines the system's authentication mechanisms. This flaw enables unauthorized actors to circumvent the intended access controls through brute force attacks, potentially compromising vehicle connectivity and control systems. The affected system serves as the central interface for vehicle entertainment, communication, and potentially safety-related functions, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for automotive cybersecurity.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient rate limiting and authentication controls within the system's login mechanism. Attackers can exploit this weakness by systematically attempting multiple credential combinations without triggering protective measures that would normally prevent automated attacks. This brute force approach allows malicious actors to gain unauthorized access to the headunit system, potentially enabling them to manipulate vehicle settings, access sensitive data, or execute unauthorized commands. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-307, which addresses improper restriction of repeated accesses, and reflects the broader category of weak authentication mechanisms that have become increasingly prevalent in connected vehicle systems.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-46442 extends beyond simple unauthorized access to encompass potential vehicle control compromise and data exposure. An attacker who successfully bypasses authentication could potentially manipulate infotainment systems, access vehicle diagnostic information, or even interfere with communication protocols between vehicle components. This vulnerability particularly threatens the security of vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communications and could enable more sophisticated attacks that leverage the compromised headunit as a foothold for further system infiltration. The attack surface is further expanded when considering that modern vehicle headunits often integrate with mobile applications and cloud services, creating additional attack vectors that could be exploited through this authentication bypass.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing robust rate limiting mechanisms, enforcing account lockout policies, and deploying multi-factor authentication where possible. Network segmentation and monitoring solutions should be deployed to detect anomalous login patterns that could indicate brute force attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems specifically designed for automotive environments and establish regular security assessments of connected vehicle components. According to ATT&CK framework category T1110, which covers Brute Force techniques, this vulnerability represents a direct exploitation of credential guessing methods that require defensive measures including adaptive authentication controls and behavioral analytics to identify and block unauthorized access attempts. The affected BYD systems should be updated with patches that address the authentication bypass mechanism and implement stronger session management protocols to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in future versions.