CVE-2025-5475 in XAV-AX8500
Summary
by MITRE • 06/21/2025
Sony XAV-AX8500 Bluetooth Packet Handling Integer Overflow Remote Code Execution Vulnerability. This vulnerability allows network-adjacent attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected Sony XAV-AX8500 devices. An attacker must first obtain the ability to pair a malicious Bluetooth device with the target system in order to exploit this vulnerability.
The specific flaw exists within the handling of Bluetooth packets. The issue results from the lack of proper validation of user-supplied data, which can result in an integer overflow before writing to memory. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to execute code in the context of the elysian-bt-service process. Was ZDI-CAN-26283.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/08/2025
The CVE-2025-5475 vulnerability represents a critical security flaw in Sony XAV-AX8500 automotive infotainment systems that demonstrates the growing concern of wireless attack surfaces in connected vehicles. This vulnerability specifically targets the Bluetooth packet handling mechanisms within the device's elysian-bt-service process, creating a pathway for remote code execution that could potentially compromise vehicle systems. The flaw is particularly concerning given the increasing integration of wireless connectivity in automotive environments, where traditional network security boundaries do not apply. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution issue means that an attacker with network-adjacent access could potentially gain full control over the affected device without requiring physical access, making it a significant concern for automotive cybersecurity.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the Bluetooth packet processing logic, specifically manifesting as an integer overflow condition. This flaw occurs when the system processes malformed Bluetooth packets without adequate bounds checking, allowing an attacker to craft packets that trigger arithmetic overflow conditions in the integer variables used for packet handling. The lack of proper validation of user-supplied data creates a classic scenario for buffer overflow exploitation, where the integer overflow can corrupt memory structures and potentially overwrite return addresses or function pointers. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-190, which identifies integer overflow and underflow conditions as a primary vector for memory corruption attacks. The integer overflow specifically affects the memory allocation calculations used during Bluetooth packet processing, potentially leading to controlled memory corruption that can be leveraged for arbitrary code execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple remote code execution, as it provides attackers with access to the elysian-bt-service process which likely handles critical Bluetooth communication functions within the vehicle's infotainment system. This service could potentially control access to other vehicle systems or provide a foothold for further attacks within the vehicle's network architecture. The requirement for initial pairing with a malicious Bluetooth device adds a layer of complexity to exploitation but also demonstrates how social engineering or physical proximity attacks could be combined with this vulnerability. The attack vector is particularly dangerous in automotive environments where vehicle owners may unknowingly pair with malicious devices in public spaces, creating a persistent threat that could be exploited during routine vehicle use. This vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution flaw means that attackers could potentially manipulate vehicle functions, access sensitive data, or create persistent backdoors within the vehicle's systems.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on both immediate patching and network segmentation approaches. The primary recommendation involves applying firmware updates from Sony that address the integer overflow condition in Bluetooth packet handling, ensuring proper bounds checking and input validation. Organizations should also implement Bluetooth pairing restrictions and enable only trusted device connections to minimize the attack surface. Network segmentation techniques should be employed to isolate vehicle infotainment systems from critical vehicle control systems, preventing lateral movement if an attacker successfully exploits this vulnerability. The implementation of Bluetooth monitoring systems that can detect anomalous packet patterns or unauthorized pairing attempts would provide additional detection capabilities. Security professionals should also consider implementing device authentication mechanisms that verify the legitimacy of Bluetooth connections before allowing full communication access, aligning with the principle of least privilege and reducing the risk of exploitation through malicious pairing scenarios.