CVE-2025-8472 in iLX-507
Summary
by MITRE • 08/01/2025
Alpine iLX-507 vCard Parsing Stack-based Buffer Overflow Remote Code Execution Vulnerability. This vulnerability allows network-adjacent attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected installations of Alpine iLX-507 devices. User interaction is required to exploit this vulnerability in that the target must connect to a malicious Bluetooth device.
The specific flaw exists within the parsing of vCard data. The issue results from the lack of proper validation of the length of user-supplied data prior to copying it to a stack-based buffer. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code in the context of root. Was ZDI-CAN-26316.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/05/2025
The CVE-2025-8472 vulnerability represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw in Alpine iLX-507 navigation devices that enables remote code execution through Bluetooth connectivity. This vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-121, which specifically addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations. The flaw manifests during the parsing of vCard data structures, which are commonly used for exchanging contact information between devices. The vulnerability's exploitation requires network-adjacent attacker capabilities, meaning the malicious Bluetooth device must be within proximity of the target device, and user interaction is necessary for the initial connection to occur. This requirement aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, as the successful exploitation would allow execution of arbitrary commands with root privileges. The attack vector specifically leverages Bluetooth communication protocols where the Alpine iLX-507 device processes incoming vCard information without adequate input validation, creating a dangerous condition where attacker-controlled data can overflow the designated stack buffer.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper bounds checking during vCard data processing within the device's Bluetooth stack implementation. When the device receives vCard data through Bluetooth connections, it attempts to copy the user-supplied data directly into a stack-based buffer without verifying that the incoming data length exceeds the buffer's allocated capacity. This fundamental flaw allows an attacker to craft malicious vCard data that deliberately exceeds the buffer limits, causing a stack overflow condition that can overwrite return addresses and other critical stack memory locations. The vulnerability's severity is amplified by the fact that successful exploitation grants attacker code execution with root privileges, as indicated by the privilege escalation aspect of the flaw. The stack-based nature of the overflow means that attackers can manipulate the instruction pointer to redirect execution flow to malicious code injected into the stack, effectively bypassing standard security mechanisms that protect against such attacks. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution issue indicates that network-adjacent attackers can leverage this flaw without requiring physical access or direct system interaction.
The operational impact of CVE-2025-8472 extends beyond simple code execution to encompass complete system compromise and potential data exfiltration capabilities. Attackers who successfully exploit this vulnerability can gain full administrative control over affected Alpine iLX-507 devices, potentially using them as entry points for broader network infiltration. The requirement for user interaction through Bluetooth connection means that attackers must first establish proximity to the target vehicle, but once connected, they can execute persistent malicious code that maintains access even after the initial connection terminates. This characteristic makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in automotive environments where vehicles may be targeted for data theft or system manipulation. The root privilege escalation aspect of the vulnerability means that attackers can modify system files, install backdoors, or disable security features that protect the device from further attacks. Additionally, since vCard data exchange is a common function in automotive entertainment systems, this vulnerability could potentially be exploited through legitimate contact sharing activities, making detection and prevention more challenging for end users. The vulnerability's impact is further compounded by the fact that many vehicle owners may not be aware of the security implications of Bluetooth connectivity or may not regularly update their device firmware.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2025-8472 should focus on both immediate defensive measures and long-term firmware updates. Organizations and vehicle owners should disable Bluetooth functionality when not actively needed, particularly in vehicles that may be targeted for exploitation. The most effective immediate mitigation involves applying firmware updates from Alpine that address the specific buffer overflow condition in the vCard parsing implementation. Security administrators should implement network segmentation to limit Bluetooth communication to trusted devices only, and establish monitoring procedures to detect anomalous Bluetooth connection patterns or unexpected vCard data exchanges. System administrators should consider implementing Bluetooth device whitelisting mechanisms that restrict which devices can establish connections with the Alpine iLX-507 system. The vulnerability's design flaw requires proper bounds checking to be implemented in the vCard parsing routine, which should validate input lengths before copying data to stack buffers. Additionally, security teams should monitor for any signs of exploitation attempts, such as unusual memory access patterns or unexpected system behavior. The mitigation approach should also include regular security assessments of automotive infotainment systems, as these devices increasingly become attack surfaces for sophisticated cyber threats. Organizations should consider implementing intrusion detection systems specifically designed to monitor automotive network protocols and alert on suspicious Bluetooth activity that could indicate exploitation attempts.