CVE-2026-118611 in iLX-F511
Summary
by MITRE • 10/28/2026
Alpine iLX-F511 Bluetooth OBEX Packet Handling Heap-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 handling of Bluetooth OBEX packets. The issue results from the lack of proper validation of the length of user-supplied data prior to copying it to a heap-based buffer. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to execute code in the context of root. Was ZDI-CAN-29012.
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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 Bluetooth stack, specifically in the handling of Object Exchange Protocol OBEX packets. This vulnerability represents a severe risk to vehicle owners as it allows for remote code execution by physically present attackers without requiring any form of authentication or prior pairing with the device. The existence of this unauthenticated attack vector significantly lowers the barrier for exploitation, enabling malicious actors who are in close proximity to the target vehicle to compromise the system's integrity and potentially gain control over connected devices or vehicle functions depending on how the compromised head unit interacts with other car systems.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in a heap-based buffer overflow within the OBEX packet processing logic. When the device receives Bluetooth OBEX packets, it fails to perform adequate validation checks on the length of user-supplied data before attempting to copy that data into a pre-allocated memory region on the heap. This lack of bounds checking means that if an attacker crafts and transmits an OBEX packet with a payload exceeding the expected buffer size, the excess data will overflow beyond the boundaries of the allocated memory space. In embedded systems like automotive head units, such overflows can corrupt adjacent memory structures, overwrite function pointers, or manipulate control flow mechanisms within the operating system's runtime environment.
The operational impact of this heap-based buffer overflow is profound, as it enables arbitrary code execution in the context of root privileges. Since the Bluetooth stack typically runs with elevated permissions to manage hardware interfaces and network connections successfully exploiting this flaw grants an attacker full administrative access to the Alpine iLX-F511 operating system. This level of access allows for the installation of persistent malware, exfiltration of sensitive data such as contact lists or call logs stored on the device, and potentially deeper integration into the vehicle's internal networks if the head unit shares bus connections with other electronic control units. The ability to execute code without authentication makes this a high-severity vulnerability that demands immediate attention from both manufacturers and end-users until patches are available.
From a classification perspective, this flaw aligns closely with CWE-120 Buffer Copy without Checking Size of Input Classic Buffer Overflow and specifically CWE-787 Out-of-bounds Write when the overflow affects writable memory regions used for control data. In terms of attack tactics, this vulnerability facilitates initial access through local network interactions via Bluetooth, which maps to MITRE ATT&CK technique T1563 Remote Service Exploitation or potentially T1042 Control Panel if it leads to further lateral movement within the vehicle's internal network architecture. The lack of input validation is a fundamental design error that violates secure coding principles regarding memory management and boundary checks, highlighting the need for rigorous static analysis and fuzzing during the development phase of embedded automotive software.
Mitigation strategies must focus on both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements. Alpine Electronics should release a firmware update that patches the OBEX packet handling routine to include strict length validation before any data copying operations occur. Developers must implement bounds checking for all inputs derived from external sources, particularly those processed by network stacks which are frequent targets for exploitation. For users currently affected, it is advisable to disable Bluetooth functionality when the vehicle is parked in public or unsecured locations to reduce the attack surface available to physically present attackers. Additionally, implementing strict input sanitization and utilizing memory-safe programming practices can prevent similar vulnerabilities from arising in future firmware versions. Regular security audits and penetration testing of automotive infotainment systems are essential to identify such critical flaws before they reach production environments.