CVE-2025-1880 in i11
Summary
by MITRE • 03/03/2025
A vulnerability was found in i-Drive i11 and i12 up to 20250227. It has been classified as problematic. Affected is an unknown function of the component Device Pairing. The manipulation leads to authentication bypass by primary weakness. It is possible to launch the attack on the physical device. The complexity of an attack is rather high. The exploitability is told to be difficult. It was not possible to identify the current maintainer of the product. It must be assumed that the product is end-of-life.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/30/2026
This vulnerability affects the i-Drive i11 and i12 automotive infotainment systems with firmware versions up to 20250227, representing a significant security weakness in vehicle connectivity infrastructure. The issue resides within the Device Pairing component, which is critical for establishing secure communication between the vehicle's infotainment system and external devices such as smartphones or tablets. This authentication bypass vulnerability stems from a primary weakness that allows unauthorized access to the system without proper credentials, fundamentally compromising the device's security model.
The technical flaw manifests as an insufficient validation mechanism during the device pairing process, enabling attackers to exploit weaknesses in the authentication flow. The vulnerability specifically targets the pairing function where legitimate devices should be authenticated before gaining access to vehicle systems or data. Attackers can leverage this weakness to establish unauthorized connections with the infotainment system, potentially gaining access to sensitive vehicle data, control functions, or communication channels between the vehicle and external networks. The physical attack vector indicates that adversaries can exploit this vulnerability directly on the device without requiring network-based access or sophisticated remote exploitation techniques.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it could enable attackers to manipulate vehicle settings, intercept communications, or potentially gain control over critical vehicle functions depending on the system architecture. The high attack complexity and difficult exploitability suggest that while the vulnerability exists in a widely deployed automotive system, successful exploitation requires significant technical expertise and specific conditions. This assessment aligns with common attack patterns documented in automotive security frameworks where physical access combined with understanding of vehicle communication protocols creates dangerous attack surfaces.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability represents a concerning example of insecure device pairing mechanisms that fail to properly authenticate users or devices before granting system access. It demonstrates the importance of robust authentication controls in embedded systems, particularly those used in safety-critical environments like automotive applications. The assessment of end-of-life status for this product presents additional risks as manufacturers may no longer provide security updates or patches, leaving vehicles vulnerable to exploitation for extended periods. Organizations should consider implementing network segmentation and physical access controls to mitigate potential risks associated with this vulnerability.
The attack surface implications are particularly concerning given the increasing integration of connected vehicle technologies and the potential for cascading effects from compromised infotainment systems to other vehicle subsystems. This vulnerability aligns with common automotive security weaknesses documented in frameworks such as ISO 21434 and NIST SP 800-171, which emphasize the need for secure design principles in vehicle cybersecurity. The lack of identified product maintainer further compounds the risk profile, as it suggests limited support for addressing vulnerabilities in legacy systems that remain in operation within automotive fleets.
Mitigation strategies should prioritize physical security controls to prevent unauthorized access to vehicle systems, including securing vehicle access points and implementing robust device authentication protocols. Network monitoring and anomaly detection systems can help identify suspicious pairing activities or unauthorized access attempts. Organizations should also consider firmware updates where available and implement network isolation for vehicles that cannot receive official patches. The vulnerability underscores the critical importance of maintaining current security practices in automotive environments and highlights the need for comprehensive vulnerability management programs that address both legacy and emerging threats in connected vehicle ecosystems.
This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the evolving threat landscape in automotive cybersecurity, where traditional security boundaries are increasingly challenged by connected vehicle technologies. The assessment of difficult exploitability should not diminish the importance of addressing such vulnerabilities promptly, particularly given the potential for escalation through additional attack vectors or exploitation of related system components. Security professionals should monitor for similar vulnerabilities in other automotive systems and ensure that comprehensive security assessments consider all aspects of vehicle connectivity and authentication mechanisms.