CVE-2025-32060 in Infotainment System ECU
Summary
by MITRE • 02/15/2026
The system suffers from the absence of a kernel module signature verification. If an attacker can execute commands on behalf of root user (due to additional vulnerabilities), then he/she is also able to load custom kernel modules to the kernel space and execute code in the kernel context. Such a flaw can lead to taking control over the entire system.
First identified on Nissan Leaf ZE1 manufactured in 2020.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/20/2026
The vulnerability described in CVE-2025-32060 represents a critical security flaw in automotive embedded systems, specifically affecting Nissan Leaf ZE1 vehicles manufactured in 2020. This weakness stems from the complete absence of kernel module signature verification mechanisms within the vehicle's operating system, creating a fundamental breach in the system's security architecture. The vulnerability operates at the most privileged level of the operating system, where kernel modules execute with the highest possible privileges and direct access to all system resources. The lack of signature verification means that any entity capable of executing commands as the root user can load arbitrary kernel modules into the kernel space, effectively bypassing all traditional security boundaries that separate user space from kernel space operations.
The technical nature of this flaw aligns with CWE-664, which describes improper control of a resource through lifetime management, specifically in the context of kernel module loading without proper authentication mechanisms. This vulnerability creates an attack surface that allows for privilege escalation from user-level execution to kernel-level execution, a critical weakness that can be exploited through various attack vectors. The attack requires only that an attacker already possess root-level execution capabilities on the system, which may be achieved through other vulnerabilities present in the vehicle's software stack. Once the attacker has root access, they can leverage this vulnerability to load malicious kernel modules that execute with the same privileges as the kernel itself, effectively granting complete system control.
The operational impact of CVE-2025-32060 is severe and far-reaching, as it provides attackers with the ability to execute arbitrary code in kernel context, potentially leading to complete system compromise. This vulnerability can enable attackers to modify critical vehicle functions, disable safety systems, access sensitive data, and potentially cause physical harm through manipulation of vehicle controls. The attack vector is particularly concerning in automotive environments where the kernel serves as the foundation for all vehicle control systems, including braking, steering, and engine management functions. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which describes the use of local privilege escalation to gain access to kernel-level operations, making it a prime target for sophisticated attackers seeking persistent access to vehicle systems.
The exploitation of this vulnerability requires a multi-stage attack approach where the attacker first gains root access through other means, then leverages the missing signature verification to load malicious kernel modules. This approach follows the ATT&CK tactic T1059, which involves executing malicious code through command and scripting interpreters, but at the kernel level where the consequences are exponentially more severe. The vulnerability's presence in Nissan Leaf ZE1 vehicles from 2020 indicates a long-standing security gap that could have been exploited for years, potentially affecting thousands of vehicles worldwide. The absence of kernel module signature verification creates a permanent backdoor that cannot be remediated through simple software updates, requiring either complete system replacement or hardware-level security enhancements to address the fundamental flaw. This vulnerability represents a significant concern for automotive cybersecurity and highlights the critical importance of implementing proper kernel security mechanisms in embedded systems that control critical functions.