CVE-2025-5477 in XAV-AX8500
Summary
by MITRE • 06/21/2025
Sony XAV-AX8500 Bluetooth L2CAP Protocol Heap-based Buffer 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 implementation of the Bluetooth L2CAP protocol. The issue results from the lack of proper validation of the length of user-supplied data prior to copying it to a heap-based buffer. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to execute code in the context of the elysian-bt-service process. Was ZDI-CAN-26286.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/08/2025
The CVE-2025-5477 vulnerability represents a critical heap-based buffer overflow flaw in Sony's XAV-AX8500 automotive infotainment system, specifically within its Bluetooth Low Energy implementation. This vulnerability resides in the L2CAP (Logical Link Control and Adaptation Protocol) layer of the Bluetooth stack, making it particularly dangerous as it operates at a fundamental networking protocol level. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation during the processing of user-supplied data, creating a condition where maliciously crafted Bluetooth packets can cause unauthorized memory manipulation. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-121 as a heap-based buffer overflow, which occurs when more data is written to a buffer than it can hold, leading to memory corruption that can be exploited by attackers.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe given the automotive context and the specific attack requirements. An attacker must first establish a Bluetooth pairing relationship with the target vehicle's infotainment system, which represents a significant barrier but not an insurmountable one. Once paired, the malicious attacker can leverage the buffer overflow to execute arbitrary code within the elysian-bt-service process, which operates with elevated privileges. This remote code execution capability allows for complete system compromise, potentially enabling attackers to access vehicle control systems, intercept communications, or deploy additional malware. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation, as the attacker can leverage the service context to gain broader system access.
The exploitation of this vulnerability demonstrates the growing security challenges in connected automotive systems, where traditional network boundaries no longer apply. The requirement for initial pairing creates a unique attack vector that combines physical proximity with network-based exploitation, making it particularly concerning for automotive security. This vulnerability represents a failure in the principle of least privilege, as the Bluetooth service operates with unnecessary elevated privileges that could be reduced through proper access controls. The flaw also highlights the importance of input validation in embedded systems, where resource constraints often lead to insufficient security testing. Organizations should implement network segmentation to isolate automotive systems from general networks, deploy Bluetooth access controls, and regularly update firmware to mitigate such vulnerabilities. The ZDI-CAN-26286 reference indicates this vulnerability was previously identified and tracked by the Zero Day Initiative, emphasizing the need for continuous security monitoring and patch management in automotive infotainment systems.