CVE-2025-32060: Kernel Module Privilege Escalation Flaw

CVE-2025-32060 Overview

CVE-2025-32060 is a kernel-level vulnerability affecting the Nissan Leaf ZE1 infotainment system manufactured by Bosch. The system lacks proper kernel module signature verification, which allows an attacker with root-level command execution capabilities to load arbitrary kernel modules into the kernel space. This vulnerability enables code execution within the kernel context, potentially leading to complete system compromise of the vehicle's infotainment unit.

Critical Impact

Attackers with root access can load malicious kernel modules, achieving persistent kernel-level code execution and complete control over the vehicle's infotainment system.

Affected Products

• Nissan Leaf ZE1 (2020 model year)
• Bosch-manufactured infotainment systems in Nissan vehicles
• Embedded Linux kernel implementation in affected infotainment units

Discovery Timeline

• 2026-02-15 - CVE-2025-32060 published to NVD
• 2026-02-18 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2025-32060

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability stems from a fundamental security design flaw classified as CWE-347 (Improper Verification of Cryptographic Signature). The embedded Linux kernel running on the Nissan Leaf infotainment system does not enforce cryptographic signature verification when loading kernel modules. In properly secured systems, kernel modules must be signed with a trusted key, and the kernel validates this signature before allowing the module to be inserted. The absence of this verification mechanism creates a significant privilege escalation pathway.

When an attacker has already obtained root-level command execution on the system through other vulnerabilities, this missing signature verification allows them to escalate from user-space root privileges to kernel-space code execution. Kernel-level access provides capabilities far beyond standard root privileges, including the ability to hide malicious activity, intercept all system operations, and potentially interact with vehicle bus systems connected to the infotainment unit.

Root Cause

The root cause is the absence of kernel module signature verification in the embedded Linux implementation. The kernel configuration likely does not enable CONFIG_MODULE_SIG or related kernel signature enforcement options, allowing any compiled kernel module to be loaded via insmod or modprobe without cryptographic validation. This configuration oversight is particularly concerning in automotive embedded systems where physical access and security boundaries differ from traditional computing environments.

Attack Vector

The attack requires local access and high privileges (root user), making it a post-compromise escalation technique. An attacker must first gain root-level command execution through a separate vulnerability chain before exploiting this kernel module loading weakness. Once root access is obtained, the attacker can compile a malicious kernel module for the target architecture and load it directly into kernel memory.

The exploitation flow involves crafting a kernel module containing malicious payload code, transferring it to the target system, and executing standard module loading commands. The kernel accepts and loads the module without verifying its authenticity, granting the attacker's code full kernel privileges. Detailed technical information about the exploitation chain is available in the Black Hat Presentation on Nissan Leaf Exploitation.

Detection Methods for CVE-2025-32060

Indicators of Compromise

• Presence of unexpected or unknown kernel modules in /proc/modules or via lsmod output
• Kernel log entries (dmesg) showing module insertion events without corresponding legitimate updates
• Suspicious files with .ko extension in writable directories outside standard module paths
• Unexpected modifications to kernel memory mappings visible in /proc/kallsyms

Detection Strategies

• Monitor kernel module loading events through audit subsystem (auditd) rules targeting init_module and finit_module syscalls
• Implement file integrity monitoring on known-good kernel module directories
• Analyze kernel logs for unauthorized module insertion attempts
• Compare loaded modules against a baseline of expected modules for the infotainment system

Monitoring Recommendations

• Deploy endpoint detection solutions capable of monitoring embedded Linux systems for kernel-level changes
• Establish baseline inventories of legitimate kernel modules for vehicle infotainment systems
• Implement alerting for any insmod or modprobe command execution outside scheduled maintenance windows
• Monitor for compilation toolchain usage that could indicate on-device module building

How to Mitigate CVE-2025-32060

Immediate Actions Required

• Contact Nissan or the authorized dealer to inquire about available firmware updates for the infotainment system
• Restrict physical and network access to the vehicle's infotainment system where possible
• Monitor for related vulnerability disclosures that could provide the prerequisite root access
• Review the PCA Cybersecurity Advisory on Nissan Infotainment for additional guidance

Patch Information

As of the last update on 2026-02-18, vendor patch information has not been published in the NVD database. Vehicle owners should contact Nissan directly for information regarding firmware updates that address this vulnerability. Given the embedded automotive context, patches would typically be applied through dealer service visits or over-the-air (OTA) updates if supported by the vehicle model.

Workarounds

• Disable or restrict network connectivity features on the infotainment system when not in active use
• Avoid connecting untrusted USB devices to the vehicle's infotainment ports
• Limit Bluetooth pairing to known and trusted devices only
• Consider disabling remote access features until patches are available
• Implement network segmentation if the vehicle connects to home or enterprise networks

# Example kernel configuration for signature enforcement (reference only)
# These settings should be enabled in the kernel build configuration
# to prevent unauthorized module loading

CONFIG_MODULE_SIG=y
CONFIG_MODULE_SIG_FORCE=y
CONFIG_MODULE_SIG_ALL=y
CONFIG_MODULE_SIG_SHA256=y