CVE-2025-5828 in MaxiCharger AC Wallbox Commercial
Summary
by MITRE • 06/25/2025
Autel MaxiCharger AC Wallbox Commercial wLength Buffer Overflow Remote Code Execution Vulnerability. This vulnerability allows physically present attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected installations of Autel MaxiCharger AC Wallbox Commercial EV chargers. Authentication is not required to exploit this vulnerability.
The specific flaw exists within the handling of USB frame packets. The issue results from the lack of proper validation of the length of user-supplied data prior to copying it to a fixed-length buffer. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to execute code in the context of the device. Was ZDI-CAN-26328.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/10/2025
The CVE-2025-5828 vulnerability represents a critical buffer overflow flaw in the Autel MaxiCharger AC Wallbox Commercial electric vehicle charging equipment. This vulnerability resides in the USB frame packet handling mechanism of the device, where insufficient input validation permits malicious data to be copied into a fixed-length buffer without proper bounds checking. The vulnerability's severity is amplified by its requirement for physical presence rather than network access, yet it remains particularly concerning given the operational environment of EV charging infrastructure. The device's lack of authentication requirements for exploitation means that any individual with physical access to the charging unit can potentially compromise its operational integrity. This flaw directly corresponds to CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations. The vulnerability's classification aligns with ATT&CK technique T1210, which covers exploitation of remote services through buffer overflow attacks, though in this case the attack vector is physical rather than network-based.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the USB communication protocol handler. When USB frame packets are received, the system fails to validate the length parameter before copying data into a predetermined buffer space. This allows an attacker to craft malicious USB packets with oversized length fields that exceed the allocated buffer capacity. The consequence of this flaw is that the overflow can overwrite critical memory locations including return addresses, function pointers, or other control data structures within the device's execution context. Successful exploitation enables arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the running service, potentially allowing attackers to modify device firmware, redirect charging operations, or establish persistent access points. The fixed-length buffer characteristic indicates that the system uses stack-based or heap-based allocation without proper dynamic bounds checking mechanisms. The vulnerability's nature suggests that the implementation lacks proper bounds checking routines that would typically validate input length against buffer capacity before memory operations occur.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass potential compromise of the entire charging infrastructure. EV charging stations represent critical components of the energy grid and transportation ecosystem, making them attractive targets for malicious actors seeking to disrupt services or gain unauthorized access to connected systems. The vulnerability's physical access requirement does not eliminate its danger, as charging stations are often deployed in public spaces where unauthorized individuals may gain access. Attackers could potentially use this vulnerability to modify charging parameters, cause service disruptions, or even create backdoor access points for future exploitation. The device's role in managing electrical charging operations means that successful exploitation could lead to power management issues, unauthorized charging sessions, or denial of service conditions that impact vehicle owners and fleet operators. The vulnerability's presence in commercial EV charging equipment also raises concerns about supply chain security and the potential for widespread impact across multiple installations. Organizations deploying these devices must consider the implications of physical security measures and the potential for insider threats or unauthorized physical access to charging infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2025-5828 should focus on both immediate protective measures and long-term architectural improvements. The most effective immediate solution involves firmware updates from Autel that implement proper bounds checking for USB packet length validation and incorporate stack canary mechanisms or other memory protection techniques. Organizations should also implement physical security controls around charging stations, including tamper-evident seals, restricted access zones, and monitoring systems to detect unauthorized physical access. Network segmentation and monitoring of USB communications can help detect anomalous behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts. The implementation of secure boot mechanisms and code integrity checks would prevent unauthorized firmware modifications even if the buffer overflow vulnerability is exploited. Security hardening procedures should include disabling unused USB ports, implementing USB device whitelisting, and establishing regular firmware update policies. From a defensive perspective, the vulnerability demonstrates the importance of input validation and buffer management in embedded systems, aligning with industry best practices outlined in NIST SP 800-144 and ISO/IEC 27030 for secure embedded device development. Organizations should also consider implementing threat hunting activities focused on physical security breaches and unauthorized access to charging infrastructure. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical need for security-by-design principles in IoT and embedded systems, particularly in critical infrastructure components where physical access can provide direct paths to system compromise.