CVE-2025-2082: Tesla Model 3 Firmware RCE Vulnerability

CVE-2025-2082 Overview

CVE-2025-2082 is an integer overflow vulnerability affecting Tesla Model 3 vehicles that allows network-adjacent attackers to execute arbitrary code on the VCSEC (Vehicle Controller Secondary) module without authentication. The vulnerability exists within the VCSEC module's handling of certificate responses from the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), where manipulated data can trigger an integer overflow before writing to memory.

This vulnerability is particularly concerning as successful exploitation enables attackers to execute code in the context of the VCSEC module and send arbitrary messages to the vehicle's CAN bus, potentially affecting critical vehicle functions including locks, alarms, and other security-related systems.

Critical Impact

Network-adjacent attackers can achieve remote code execution on Tesla Model 3 vehicles without authentication, gaining the ability to send arbitrary messages to the vehicle CAN bus and potentially compromise vehicle security functions.

Affected Products

• Tesla Model 3 Firmware (all versions prior to patch)
• Tesla Model 3 Hardware

Discovery Timeline

• 2025-04-30 - CVE-2025-2082 published to NVD
• 2025-08-12 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2025-2082

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability is classified as CWE-190 (Integer Overflow or Wraparound). The flaw resides in the VCSEC module, which is responsible for managing vehicle security functions including key fob communication, door locks, and alarm systems. The VCSEC module communicates with various vehicle subsystems including the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

The vulnerability occurs when the VCSEC module processes certificate responses from TPMS devices. By crafting malicious certificate response data, an attacker can cause an integer overflow condition that corrupts memory allocation calculations. This memory corruption can be leveraged to achieve arbitrary code execution within the VCSEC module's execution context.

What makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous is that the VCSEC module has direct access to the vehicle's CAN bus. Once an attacker achieves code execution, they can inject arbitrary CAN messages, potentially affecting vehicle behavior, disabling security features, or interfering with other vehicle systems that rely on CAN bus communication.

Root Cause

The root cause is an integer overflow vulnerability (CWE-190) in the VCSEC module's certificate response handling code. When processing certificate data from TPMS devices, the module performs size calculations that can overflow when supplied with maliciously crafted values. This overflow results in an undersized memory allocation, leading to a subsequent buffer overflow when the certificate data is written to the allocated buffer. The lack of proper integer overflow checks before memory operations creates this exploitable condition.

Attack Vector

The attack requires the adversary to be within network-adjacent range of the target vehicle, specifically within Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) or other short-range wireless communication range used by the TPMS system. The attacker would need to:

1. Position themselves within wireless range of the target Tesla Model 3
2. Impersonate or inject malicious responses as a TPMS device
3. Send a specially crafted certificate response containing values designed to trigger the integer overflow
4. Exploit the resulting memory corruption to achieve code execution
5. Leverage VCSEC module access to send arbitrary CAN bus messages

No authentication is required to exploit this vulnerability, and no user interaction is needed. The attack complexity is considered high due to the need for wireless proximity and precise manipulation of certificate responses.

The vulnerability mechanism involves memory corruption through integer overflow when processing TPMS certificate responses. For detailed technical information, refer to the Zero Day Initiative Advisory ZDI-25-265.

Detection Methods for CVE-2025-2082

Indicators of Compromise

• Unusual or unexpected TPMS communication patterns detected by vehicle diagnostic systems
• Anomalous CAN bus messages originating from the VCSEC module that don't correspond to legitimate user actions
• Unexpected behavior of vehicle security functions such as locks, alarms, or key fob responsiveness
• Evidence of TPMS spoofing attempts in proximity to the vehicle

Detection Strategies

• Monitor vehicle diagnostic logs for VCSEC module errors or crashes that could indicate exploitation attempts
• Implement anomaly detection for CAN bus traffic patterns, flagging unexpected message types from the VCSEC module
• Deploy intrusion detection systems capable of monitoring wireless communications in sensitive vehicle storage areas
• Analyze TPMS communication logs for certificate responses with anomalous size parameters

Monitoring Recommendations

• Establish baseline CAN bus communication patterns to identify deviations that may indicate compromise
• Monitor fleet-wide for VCSEC module anomalies that could indicate active exploitation campaigns
• Implement logging of all TPMS certificate exchanges where diagnostic capabilities allow
• Consider physical security measures to limit attacker proximity to high-value vehicles

How to Mitigate CVE-2025-2082

Immediate Actions Required

• Apply Tesla firmware updates as soon as they become available through over-the-air (OTA) updates
• Park vehicles in secure locations with limited public wireless access where possible
• Monitor Tesla security bulletins and advisories for patch availability
• For fleet operators, prioritize patch deployment and consider restricting vehicle exposure until patched

Patch Information

Tesla typically delivers security patches through over-the-air (OTA) firmware updates. Vehicle owners should ensure their vehicles are connected to WiFi networks to receive updates promptly. Consult the Zero Day Initiative Advisory ZDI-25-265 for additional details on the vulnerability disclosure and remediation timeline.

Workarounds

• No official workarounds have been published by Tesla for this vulnerability
• Limit vehicle exposure by parking in secure, access-controlled locations when possible
• Monitor for and promptly install any available Tesla firmware updates
• Be aware of the network-adjacent attack requirement—the attacker must be in close wireless proximity to exploit this vulnerability

As this vulnerability requires network-adjacent access and involves embedded vehicle firmware, configuration-based mitigations are limited. The primary mitigation is applying official Tesla firmware patches when available.