Tesla Gateway ECU Vulnerability

Monitor6.8ICS-CERT ICSA-16-341-01Sep 9, 2016

Attack VectorNetwork

Auth RequiredNone

ComplexityHigh

User InteractionRequired

Summary

Tesla Model S vehicle firmware with web browser functionality enabled contains a command injection vulnerability (CWE-77) in the gateway ECU. An attacker can exploit this via malicious web content served to the in-vehicle browser, allowing arbitrary command execution on the gateway ECU with potential impact to vehicle control and infotainment systems. The vulnerability affects firmware version 7.1_2.36.31 with no fix planned from the vendor.

What this means

What could happen

An attacker with user interaction (such as tricking a driver to click a malicious link) could execute arbitrary commands on the Tesla Model S vehicle gateway ECU, potentially disrupting vehicle control systems or infotainment functions.

Who's at risk

Vehicle fleet operators with Tesla Model S vehicles (particularly those with web browser enabled) should be aware. This affects commercial or municipal fleets that use Tesla vehicles for transportation or delivery services where the vehicle gateway system is networked or accessible.

How it could be exploited

An attacker crafts a malicious link or web content that, when clicked by a driver using the vehicle's built-in web browser, exploits command injection vulnerabilities in the gateway ECU. The attacker's commands execute with the privileges of the browser process on the ECU.

Prerequisites

Driver must actively click or interact with attacker-controlled content in the vehicle's web browser
Web browser functionality must be enabled on the vehicle
Vehicle must have network connectivity (WiFi or cellular)

remotely exploitablerequires user interactionno patch availableaffects vehicle control systems

Exploitability

Low exploit probability (EPSS 0.9%)

Affected products (1)

ProductAffected VersionsFix Status

Model S vehicle firmware with web browser functionality enabled: 7.1_2.36.317.1 2.36.31No fix (EOL)

Remediation & Mitigation

0/4

Do now

0/2

WORKAROUNDDisable web browser functionality in vehicle settings if not needed for daily operations

HARDENINGEducate drivers not to click suspicious links or visit untrusted websites using the vehicle's browser

Schedule — requires maintenance window

0/1

Patching may require device reboot — plan for process interruption

HARDENINGRestrict vehicle network access through firewall rules if the vehicle is connected to a fleet management network

Mitigations - no patch available

0/1

Model S vehicle firmware with web browser functionality enabled: 7.1_2.36.31 has reached End of Life. The vendor will not release a patch. Apply the following compensating controls:

HARDENINGMonitor vehicle gateway ECU logs and network traffic for signs of exploitation

CVEs (1)

CVE-2016-9337

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