CVE-2026-118608 in iLX-F511
Summary
by MITRE • 10/28/2026
Alpine iLX-F511 libanwbtstack.so prh_rfcomm_cc_process_test Out-Of-Bounds Read Information Disclosure Vulnerability. This vulnerability allows network-adjacent attackers to disclose sensitive information on affected installations of Alpine iLX-F511 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 prh_rfcomm_cc_process_test function. The issue results from the lack of proper validation of user-supplied data, which can result in a read past the end of an allocated buffer. An attacker can leverage this in conjunction with other vulnerabilities to execute arbitrary code in the context of root. Was ZDI-CAN-29018.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/28/2026
The Alpine iLX-F511 head unit contains a critical security flaw within its Bluetooth stack implementation, specifically located in the libanwbtstack.so library. This vulnerability is an out-of-bounds read condition that occurs during the processing of Radio Frequency Communication Connection Control parameters. The root cause lies in the prh_rfcomm_cc_process_test function, which fails to adequately validate user-supplied data before accessing memory buffers. When a malicious Bluetooth device attempts to pair with or communicate with the target system, it can supply crafted input values that exceed the bounds of allocated memory regions. This lack of boundary checking allows an attacker to read arbitrary memory contents beyond the intended buffer limits, leading to information disclosure vulnerabilities where sensitive internal state data may be leaked back to the connected peripheral device.
From a technical perspective, this flaw aligns with CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read operations in software systems. The vulnerability requires network adjacency because it is triggered through Bluetooth connections, placing it within the scope of remote exploitation if physical proximity can be established by an attacker. While the immediate impact described involves information disclosure, the nature of memory corruption vulnerabilities often serves as a precursor to more severe exploits. In this specific case, the advisory notes that leveraging this out-of-bounds read in conjunction with other existing vulnerabilities could allow for arbitrary code execution within the context of root privileges on the device. This escalation path highlights the compound risk posed by multiple interacting flaws in embedded automotive systems, where the attack surface is often expanded through wireless interfaces like Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.
The operational impact extends beyond simple data leakage to potential full system compromise if combined with other weaknesses. An attacker who successfully pairs a malicious device could potentially extract cryptographic keys, session tokens, or internal configuration details that are stored in adjacent memory locations. This information can be used to further refine attacks against the vehicle's infotainment system and its integration with broader automotive networks such as CAN bus systems. The requirement for pairing means that some level of user interaction or initial trust establishment is typically needed, but given the convenience features often enabled by default on modern head units, this barrier may be easily bypassed through social engineering or automated pairing exploits in unsecured environments.
Mitigation strategies should focus on both immediate patching and long-term architectural improvements. Alpine Electronics must release a firmware update that addresses the validation logic within the prh_rfcomm_cc_process_test function to ensure all incoming data is strictly bounded before processing. For users unable to immediately apply patches, disabling Bluetooth pairing features when not in active use can reduce the attack surface. Additionally, implementing strict input sanitization and employing memory-safe programming practices during future development cycles will help prevent similar out-of-bounds errors. Security researchers should also monitor for related vulnerabilities that might be chained with this flaw, as the combination of information disclosure and privilege escalation represents a high-severity threat profile consistent with ATT&CK techniques involving remote service exploitation and potential lateral movement within embedded vehicle networks.