Harman-Kardon Uconnect Vulnerability

Low RiskICS-CERT ICSA-15-260-01Jun 20, 2015

Summary

Harman-Kardon Uconnect infotainment and telematics systems (versions 8.4AN, 8.4RA3, 8.4RA4) contain an authorization bypass vulnerability (CWE-862) that allows attackers to gain unauthorized access to vehicle connectivity features without proper credentials. The vulnerability affects access control enforcement within the Uconnect platform.

What this means

What could happen

An attacker with network access to an affected Uconnect system could bypass authorization controls and gain unauthorized access to vehicle infotainment and telematics functions. This could allow manipulation of connected features, though direct impact to critical vehicle control systems is limited.

Who's at risk

Fleet managers and OT operators in transportation, logistics, and utility companies who operate connected vehicles equipped with Harman-Kardon Uconnect systems. This affects Uconnect versions 8.4AN, 8.4RA3, and 8.4RA4 used in connected fleet vehicles.

How it could be exploited

An attacker on the local network (or vehicle network if connected to external systems) could send crafted requests to the Uconnect system that bypass authorization checks due to the missing access control enforcement. The attacker could then interact with infotainment, navigation, or telematics features without proper credentials.

Prerequisites

Network access to the Uconnect system (vehicle network or connected network)
No valid credentials required

No authentication requiredLow complexityNo patch available for affected versionsAuthorization bypass (CWE-862)

Exploitability

Moderate exploit probability (EPSS 4.1%)

Affected products (3)

3 pending

ProductAffected VersionsFix Status

Uconnect: 8.4AN8.4ANNo fix yet

Uconnect: 8.4RA38.4RA3No fix yet

Uconnect: 8.4RA48.4RA4No fix yet

Remediation & Mitigation

0/4

Do now

0/1

WORKAROUNDDisable remote telematics and connectivity features if not actively required for vehicle operations

Schedule — requires maintenance window

0/1

Patching may require device reboot — plan for process interruption

HOTFIXApply manufacturer security patches when available

Long-term hardening

0/2

HARDENINGImplement network segmentation to isolate Uconnect systems from untrusted networks and external connections

HARDENINGMonitor network traffic to/from Uconnect systems for unauthorized access attempts

CVEs (1)

CVE-2015-5611

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