CVE-2026-118609 in iLX-F511
Summary
by MITRE • 10/28/2026
Alpine iLX-F511 Android Auto Connection Handler Stack-based Buffer Overflow Remote Code Execution Vulnerability. This vulnerability allows physically present attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected installations of Alpine iLX-F511 devices. Authentication is not required to exploit this vulnerability.
The specific flaw exists within the Android Auto connection handler. The issue results from the lack of proper validation of the length 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-29016.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/28/2026
The Alpine iLX-F511 head unit, widely deployed in automotive infotainment systems, contains a critical security flaw within its Android Auto connection handler that enables remote code execution by physically present attackers. This vulnerability stems from a fundamental failure in input validation logic during the data processing phase of establishing an Android Auto session. When a user connects their device via USB or wireless interface to initiate media and navigation features, the system processes various metadata packets sent by the connected smartphone. The specific defect lies in how the application handles these incoming streams without adequately verifying the length of the supplied data against the capacity of the destination buffer before performing memory copy operations. This architectural oversight creates a classic stack-based buffer overflow condition where excessive input overwrites adjacent memory locations on the call stack, potentially allowing an attacker to manipulate control flow and inject malicious payloads into the execution context of the process.
From a technical perspective, this flaw is categorized under CWE-121, which denotes a stack-based buffer overflow resulting from insufficient bounds checking during data transfer operations. The absence of rigorous length validation means that any malformed or oversized packet sent through the Android Auto interface can corrupt the return address or other critical stack frames. By carefully crafting these packets, an attacker can achieve arbitrary code execution within the process context running on the device. Given that infotainment systems often operate with elevated privileges to manage hardware components and system services, this vulnerability grants access at a level equivalent to root permissions. Consequently, the impact extends beyond simple application crashes or denial of service; it allows for complete compromise of the vehicle's digital ecosystem, including potential exfiltration of personal data stored on the head unit, manipulation of connected devices, and use of the car as a pivot point into broader automotive networks if further lateral movement vectors exist.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe due to its low barrier to entry regarding authentication requirements. Since no prior login or credential validation is necessary to trigger the exploit, any individual with physical access to the vehicle's USB ports or wireless connectivity range can attempt exploitation. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059, Command and Scripting Interpreter, as well as potential lateral movement capabilities if the compromised head unit serves as a gateway to other in-vehicle networks such as CAN bus systems. The physical proximity requirement limits the attack surface compared to network-based exploits but does not mitigate the severity of the compromise once achieved. Attackers could potentially install persistent backdoors, disable safety-critical features linked to the infotainment system, or use the device for surveillance purposes by accessing connected cameras and microphones if such hardware is integrated into the head unit architecture.
Mitigation strategies must address both immediate remediation and long-term security hygiene within automotive software development lifecycles. The primary defense involves applying vendor-provided firmware updates that patch the input validation logic in the Android Auto handler, ensuring all incoming data lengths are strictly checked against buffer limits before copying occurs. Developers should implement strict bounds checking routines and utilize memory-safe programming practices to prevent stack corruption. Additionally, deploying runtime application self-defense mechanisms or address space layout randomization can mitigate exploitation success rates even if vulnerabilities persist temporarily. For end-users, the recommendation is to keep device firmware updated to the latest version released by Alpine Electronics and to avoid connecting untrusted devices that may have been compromised with malicious Android Auto implementations designed specifically to trigger this overflow condition until patches are verified as installed.