CVE-2025-8477 Overview
CVE-2025-8477 is a stack-based buffer overflow [CWE-121] in the Alpine iLX-507 in-vehicle infotainment head unit. The flaw resides in the vCard parsing routine used during Bluetooth contact synchronization. An attacker within Bluetooth range can trigger memory corruption when the target device connects to a malicious Bluetooth peer. Successful exploitation yields arbitrary code execution as root on the head unit. The issue was reported through the Zero Day Initiative as ZDI-CAN-26324 and published as ZDI-25-767.
Critical Impact
A network-adjacent attacker who convinces a driver to pair with a malicious Bluetooth device can execute code as root on the Alpine iLX-507, taking full control of the head unit.
Affected Products
- Alpine iLX-507 (hardware)
- Alpine iLX-507 firmware version 6.0.000
- Alps Alpine in-vehicle infotainment deployments using vulnerable iLX-507 units
Discovery Timeline
- 2025-08-01 - CVE-2025-8477 published to the National Vulnerability Database
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-8477
Vulnerability Analysis
The Alpine iLX-507 exposes a Bluetooth phone book access profile that parses vCard records sent by paired devices. The parser copies user-supplied vCard field data into a fixed-length stack buffer without validating the source length. A crafted vCard containing an oversized field overruns the buffer and overwrites the saved return address on the stack.
Exploitation runs in the context of the process handling Bluetooth contact synchronization, which executes as root on the head unit. A successful payload grants complete control over the infotainment platform, including microphone, navigation, connected vehicle data, and any onward CAN bus interfaces exposed by the unit.
User interaction is required. The driver or occupant must pair with and connect to the attacker-controlled Bluetooth device before the malicious vCard is delivered.
Root Cause
The root cause is missing bounds validation on attacker-controlled vCard field data prior to a stack copy operation. This pattern is classified as a stack-based buffer overflow under [CWE-121]. The parser trusts the length of incoming vCard properties and copies them directly into a stack allocation sized for expected values.
Attack Vector
The attack vector is adjacent network access over Bluetooth. The attacker operates a Bluetooth peer within radio range of the target vehicle and lures the driver into initiating a pairing and connection. Once the head unit begins vCard synchronization, the attacker returns a malformed record that triggers the overflow. No authentication beyond standard Bluetooth pairing is required.
Refer to the Zero Day Initiative Advisory ZDI-25-767 for additional technical context. No verified public exploit code is currently available.
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-8477
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected Bluetooth pairing events on the iLX-507 with unknown or previously unseen device names and MAC addresses
- Head unit reboots, crashes, or service restarts occurring shortly after a Bluetooth connection is established
- Anomalous outbound network traffic from the head unit following a Bluetooth pairing session
Detection Strategies
- Inspect head unit diagnostic logs for repeated crashes in the Bluetooth phone book or contact synchronization service
- Monitor for vCard records containing abnormally long FN, N, TEL, or EMAIL fields when captured over-the-air during pairing
- Correlate physical presence of unknown Bluetooth devices near vehicles with subsequent infotainment instability
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable and periodically review the vehicle infotainment event log for Bluetooth pairing history
- For fleet operators, centralize head unit telemetry to identify anomalous device pairings across the fleet
- Alert on new Bluetooth device pairings occurring outside expected driver profiles
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-8477
Immediate Actions Required
- Disable Bluetooth on the iLX-507 when contact synchronization is not required
- Remove unrecognized paired devices from the head unit and disable auto-accept pairing prompts
- Instruct drivers not to pair with unknown or untrusted Bluetooth devices, especially in public locations
- Contact Alps Alpine or the vehicle integrator to confirm availability of a firmware update addressing CVE-2025-8477
Patch Information
At the time of publication, no vendor advisory URL or patched firmware version is listed in the NVD record for CVE-2025-8477. Firmware version 6.0.000 is confirmed vulnerable. Owners and integrators should track updates from Alps Alpine and the Zero Day Initiative advisory ZDI-25-767 for patch availability.
Workarounds
- Keep the head unit's Bluetooth radio disabled until a firmware fix is applied
- Disable the phone book access profile (PBAP) or contact synchronization feature if the head unit menu exposes that option
- Limit pairing to known driver devices and remove all other historical pairings
- Avoid initiating Bluetooth pairing in locations where unknown devices may impersonate a trusted peer
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
