CVE-2024-6031 is a high-severity heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability identified in the Tesla Model S vehicle, specifically affecting the oFono AT command interface on the modem subsystem. The vulnerability arises due to improper validation of the length of user-supplied data when parsing responses from AT commands. This lack of bounds checking leads to a heap buffer overflow condition, which can be exploited by a local attacker who has already gained the ability to execute code on the target modem. By leveraging this flaw, an attacker can execute arbitrary code within the context of the modem device, potentially compromising the vehicle's internal systems. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-122 (Heap-based Buffer Overflow) and has a CVSS 3.0 base score of 7.8, indicating high severity. The attack vector is local (AV:L), requiring low attack complexity (AC:L) and low privileges (PR:L), but no user interaction (UI:N). The impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability is high (C:H/I:H/A:H), meaning that successful exploitation could lead to full compromise of the affected system. The affected Tesla Model S version is 2023.44.29. No public exploits are currently known in the wild, and no official patches have been linked yet. The vulnerability was reported and assigned by the Zero Day Initiative (ZDI) under identifier ZDI-CAN-23198. The modem's role in vehicle communications and control systems makes this vulnerability particularly critical, as it could serve as a foothold for further compromise of vehicle functions or data exfiltration.

For European organizations, especially those operating fleets of Tesla Model S vehicles or involved in automotive services, this vulnerability poses a significant risk. Exploitation could allow attackers to gain control over vehicle communication modules, potentially leading to unauthorized remote control, data theft, or disruption of vehicle operations. This could impact logistics companies, ride-sharing services, and corporate fleets, resulting in operational downtime, safety hazards, and reputational damage. Additionally, compromised vehicles could be leveraged as entry points into broader corporate networks if connected via telematics or IoT infrastructure. Given the high confidentiality, integrity, and availability impact, the threat extends beyond individual vehicles to organizational cybersecurity posture and compliance with European data protection regulations. The lack of public exploits currently reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the potential for targeted attacks, especially by sophisticated threat actors.

1. Immediate mitigation should focus on restricting access to the modem subsystem to trusted and authenticated personnel only, minimizing the risk of local code execution on the modem. 2. Tesla vehicle owners and fleet operators should monitor for official firmware updates from Tesla addressing this vulnerability and apply them promptly once available. 3. Implement network segmentation and strict access controls on vehicle telematics and diagnostic interfaces to prevent unauthorized local access to the modem. 4. Employ anomaly detection systems to monitor unusual AT command traffic or modem behavior indicative of exploitation attempts. 5. For organizations managing Tesla fleets, establish incident response procedures specific to vehicle cybersecurity incidents, including isolation and forensic analysis capabilities. 6. Collaborate with Tesla support channels to verify vehicle firmware versions and confirm patch status. 7. Avoid connecting Tesla Model S vehicles to untrusted networks or diagnostic tools that could be used to gain local access to the modem. 8. Consider deploying endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions capable of monitoring vehicle communication modules if supported by the vendor or third-party providers.