CVE-2026-18271 in DNR1007XR
Summary
by MITRE • 08/20/2026
Kenwood DNR1007XR vCardParser Heap-based Buffer Overflow Code Execution Vulnerability. This vulnerability allows physically present attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected installations of Kenwood DNR1007XR devices. Authentication is not required to exploit this vulnerability.
The specific flaw exists within the vCardParser class. The issue results from the lack of proper validation of a user-supplied string before copying it to a heap-based buffer. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to execute code in the context of root. Was ZDI-CAN-28974.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/21/2026
The Kenwood DNR1007XR automotive head unit contains a critical security flaw within its vCardParser component, specifically identified under Zero Day Initiative identifier ZDI-CAN-28974. This vulnerability manifests as a heap-based buffer overflow resulting from insufficient validation of user-supplied input strings prior to their copying into fixed-size memory buffers on the heap. The technical root cause lies in the failure of the application logic to verify that the length of an incoming vCard data string does not exceed the allocated capacity of the destination buffer. When a crafted payload exceeding this limit is processed, it overwrites adjacent memory regions on the heap, corrupting metadata structures such as allocation headers or pointers used by the dynamic memory allocator. This corruption can be manipulated to redirect program execution flow, allowing an attacker to inject and execute arbitrary machine code within the context of the vulnerable application process.
From a threat modeling perspective, this vulnerability is classified under CWE-120: Buffer Copy without Checking Size of Input (Classic Buffer Overflow). The specific nature of the overflow being heap-based aligns with CWE-122: Heap-Based Buffer Overflow, which poses significant risks because heap corruption can often be leveraged to achieve arbitrary code execution through techniques such as function pointer overwrites or virtual table manipulation. In terms of offensive security frameworks, this exploit scenario maps directly to MITRE ATT&CK technique T1059.004: Command and Scripting Interpreter via JavaScript or similar scripting mechanisms if the embedded system utilizes a script engine for UI rendering, but more broadly it falls under T1203: Exploitation for Client Execution when considering the delivery vector through malicious media files. The ability to execute code in the context of root represents a severe escalation of privilege, effectively granting full control over the device's operating environment and underlying hardware interfaces.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is profound due to its low barrier to entry. Authentication is not required for exploitation, meaning that any individual with physical access to the vehicle can trigger the flaw by simply inserting a maliciously crafted USB drive or connecting a compromised mobile device via Bluetooth or AUX input, depending on how the vCard parsing feature is integrated into the user interface flow. Once exploited, an attacker gains root-level privileges, which allows for complete compromise of the infotainment system. This includes the ability to modify firmware settings, install persistent backdoors, access connected vehicle networks such as CAN bus interfaces if exposed through debug ports or poorly segmented internal networks, and potentially exfiltrate personal data stored on the device including contact lists, call logs, and paired phone information. The lack of authentication requirement makes this a high-risk vulnerability for any deployed unit that allows external media interaction without strict input sanitization protocols.
Mitigation strategies must address both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements. Kenwood should release a firmware update that patches the vCardParser class by implementing rigorous bounds checking before performing memory copy operations. This involves validating the length of all incoming strings against the maximum buffer size defined in the data structures and rejecting or truncating inputs that exceed safe limits. Additionally, developers should employ modern secure coding practices such as using safer string handling libraries that automatically manage buffer sizes or utilizing static analysis tools to detect potential overflow conditions during development. For end-users, immediate mitigation involves avoiding the use of untrusted USB drives or external devices with this specific model until a patch is available. Enabling any existing security features like restricted media modes can also reduce the attack surface by limiting which file types are processed for contact information parsing.