CVE-2026-118610 in iLX-F511
Summary
by MITRE • 10/28/2026
Alpine iLX-F511 Android Auto Service Stack-based Buffer Overflow Remote Code Execution Vulnerability. This vulnerability allows network-adjacent 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 service. 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-29015.
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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 service implementation that enables remote code execution with elevated privileges. This vulnerability is classified as a stack-based buffer overflow, which occurs when the application fails to properly validate the length of user-supplied data before copying it into a fixed-size buffer located on the call stack. The absence of boundary checks allows an attacker to supply input exceeding the allocated memory space, thereby overwriting adjacent memory locations including return addresses and saved frame pointers. This specific weakness is cataloged under CWE-121, which defines stack-based buffer overflow as a type of memory corruption vulnerability where data written beyond the bounds of a fixed-length stack buffer leads to unpredictable behavior or control flow hijacking.
The operational impact of this flaw is severe due to its network-adjacent nature and lack of authentication requirements. An attacker positioned within the local network, such as one connected via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth to the vehicle's infotainment system, can exploit this vulnerability without needing valid credentials. By crafting a malicious payload that triggers the buffer overflow condition during communication with the Android Auto service, an adversary can gain arbitrary code execution capabilities. Crucially, because the affected process runs with root-level privileges, successful exploitation results in full control over the device's operating environment. This level of access allows for comprehensive system compromise, including modification of firmware, installation of persistent malware, and potential exfiltration of sensitive data stored on or accessible through the head unit.
From a tactical perspective, this vulnerability aligns with MITRE ATT&CK techniques related to initial access and privilege escalation. Specifically, it facilitates exploitation via network services (T1210) and allows for execution in the context of higher-privileged accounts (T1068). The ability to execute code as root effectively bypasses standard operating system security boundaries, enabling lateral movement within the vehicle's internal networks if such architectures are present. This could potentially impact other connected systems or telematics units depending on the specific network segmentation implemented by the manufacturer.
Mitigation strategies must focus on both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements. The primary defense is the application of vendor-provided software patches that address the input validation logic within the Android Auto service component. Until such updates are available, organizations should consider isolating affected devices from untrusted networks using strict firewall rules or network segmentation to limit exposure to only trusted internal segments where possible. Additionally, implementing intrusion detection systems capable of identifying anomalous traffic patterns associated with buffer overflow attempts can provide an additional layer of defense. Future development cycles must enforce secure coding practices that mandate rigorous input validation and the use of memory-safe languages or libraries for handling external data inputs to prevent similar stack-based corruption vulnerabilities from recurring in automotive software ecosystems.