CVE-2026-118603 in iLX-F511
Summary
by MITRE • 10/28/2026
Alpine iLX-F511 vCard Parsing Stack-based Buffer Overflow Remote Code Execution Vulnerability. This vulnerability allows network-adjacent attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected Alpine iLX-F511 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 user-supplied data prior to copying it to a fixed-length stack-based buffer. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to execute code in the context of root. Was ZDI-CAN-29017.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/28/2026
The Alpine iLX-F511 is an automotive head unit that integrates various connectivity features, including Bluetooth for hands-free calling and media streaming. A critical security flaw has been identified within its firmware regarding the handling of vCard data during Bluetooth pairing or contact synchronization processes. This vulnerability represents a classic stack-based buffer overflow condition, which poses a severe risk to device integrity and user privacy. The issue stems from insufficient validation mechanisms when processing incoming vCard payloads sent by connected devices. When an affected unit receives this data, it attempts to copy the contents into a fixed-length buffer allocated on the call stack without verifying that the input size fits within the designated memory boundaries.
From a technical perspective, the root cause of this vulnerability is categorized under CWE-121, which denotes a stack-based buffer overflow. This type of flaw occurs when an application writes more data to a buffer than it can hold, causing adjacent memory locations on the stack to be overwritten. In the context of embedded systems like automotive infotainment units, such overflows are particularly dangerous because they often allow attackers to overwrite critical control structures, including return addresses and saved frame pointers. By carefully crafting a malicious vCard payload containing specific shellcode or ROP chains, an attacker can manipulate these memory regions to redirect execution flow. This capability enables the remote code execution of arbitrary commands within the context of the root user account, granting full administrative privileges over the device operating system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant due to its network-adjacent nature and the requirement for user interaction. While the attack vector requires a physical or near-physical connection via Bluetooth, it does not require complex proximity beyond standard pairing ranges. The necessity for user interaction implies that an attacker must trick the target into connecting to a malicious Bluetooth device, potentially through social engineering techniques such as impersonating a trusted contact or exploiting auto-pairing features if enabled. Once connected and paired, the exploitation can occur automatically during the synchronization of contacts or business cards stored on the attacker's device. Successful exploitation results in complete compromise of the Alpine iLX-F511 system, allowing for potential further lateral movement within the vehicle’s internal network, unauthorized access to personal data such as phone books and call logs, and manipulation of audio systems or other connected services.
This vulnerability aligns with MITRE ATT&CK techniques related to initial access via Bluetooth protocols and privilege escalation through memory corruption exploits. Specifically, it reflects behaviors associated with exploiting software vulnerabilities for code execution and leveraging local system privileges. The lack of input sanitization highlights a failure in implementing secure coding practices during the development phase, particularly regarding boundary checks on external inputs. Such oversights are common in embedded systems where resource constraints may lead developers to prioritize functionality over robust security controls like address space layout randomization or stack canaries, although these mitigations do not prevent all forms of exploitation if other conditions are met.
To mitigate this risk, Alpine Electronics must release a firmware update that addresses the vCard parsing logic by implementing strict length validation before copying data into fixed buffers. Developers should also consider adopting safer string handling functions and enabling compiler-based security features such as stack protection mechanisms to detect overflows at runtime. For end-users, immediate steps include disabling Bluetooth pairing for unknown devices and avoiding automatic contact synchronization with untrusted sources until a patch is applied. Additionally, network segmentation strategies within the vehicle architecture can help limit the blast radius if an infotainment system is compromised, preventing attackers from easily accessing critical driving controls or other sensitive electronic control units. Regular security audits and penetration testing of embedded components are essential to identify similar flaws in future product iterations.