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CVE-2018-9318: Bmw Telematics Control Unit Firmware: Protection Mechanism Failure

CVE-2018-9318 is rated critical with a CVSS v3.0 base score of 9.8 and NVD lists Bmw Telematics Control Unit Firmware as the affected product. Per its scoring, it can be exploited over the network, without authentication, without any user interaction. The scored impact on confidentiality, integrity and availability is the highest available.

Vulnerability description

The Telematics Control Unit (aka Telematic Communication Box or TCB), when present on BMW vehicles produced in 2012 through 2018, allows a remote attack via a cellular network.

Severity breakdown

CVSS v3.0 9.8: CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

• Attack vector: Network. Exploitable remotely over the network, with no need for local or physical access.
• Attack complexity: Low. No special conditions; the attack can be repeated reliably.
• Privileges required: None. No account or prior access is needed.
• User interaction: None. No action from any user is needed.
• Scope: Unchanged. Impact stays within the vulnerable component.
• Confidentiality impact: High. Total loss of confidentiality; sensitive data can be fully disclosed.
• Integrity impact: High. Total loss of integrity; data or system state can be fully modified.
• Availability impact: High. Total loss of availability; the component can be shut down.

Underlying weakness

CWE-693: Protection Mechanism Failure

The product does not use or incorrectly uses a protection mechanism that provides sufficient defense against directed attacks against the product.

Affected products

• Bmw Telematics Control Unit Firmware: all versions listed by NVD

References

• http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/104258
• https://keenlab.tencent.com/en/Experimental_Security_Assessment_of_BMW_Cars_by_KeenLab.pdf
• https://www.theregister.co.uk/2018/05/23/bmw_security_bugs/