CVE-2025-2082 is a high-severity integer overflow vulnerability (CWE-190) affecting the VCSEC module of Tesla Model 3 vehicles running software version 2024.8. The flaw arises when the VCSEC module processes certificate responses from the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). Specifically, an attacker can manipulate these certificate responses to trigger an integer overflow or wraparound condition prior to a memory write operation. This overflow enables the attacker to execute arbitrary code within the context of the VCSEC module. Exploitation does not require authentication, and the attacker only needs network adjacency, meaning they must be able to communicate with the vehicle’s internal network or systems that handle TPMS certificate responses. Once code execution is achieved, the attacker can send arbitrary messages to the vehicle’s Controller Area Network (CAN) bus, potentially controlling critical vehicle functions or disrupting vehicle operations. The vulnerability was identified and assigned by the Zero Day Initiative (ZDI) under the identifier ZDI-CAN-23800. Although no public exploits have been observed in the wild, the CVSS v3.0 base score of 7.5 reflects the high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, combined with the complexity of attack requiring high attack complexity but no privileges or user interaction. This vulnerability highlights a critical risk in automotive cybersecurity, particularly in the integration of vehicle subsystems such as TPMS and security modules like VCSEC, which are responsible for secure communications and operations within the vehicle’s internal network.

For European organizations, especially those involved in fleet management, automotive services, or transportation logistics using Tesla Model 3 vehicles, this vulnerability poses significant risks. Successful exploitation could allow attackers to remotely control or disrupt vehicle functions, potentially leading to safety hazards, operational downtime, or unauthorized data access. This could result in physical harm, financial losses, and reputational damage. Additionally, organizations responsible for critical infrastructure or emergency services using affected vehicles could face severe operational disruptions. The ability to send arbitrary CAN bus messages could allow attackers to manipulate braking, acceleration, or other safety-critical systems. Furthermore, the lack of authentication requirement lowers the barrier for attackers, increasing the threat landscape. Given the increasing reliance on connected vehicles in Europe, this vulnerability could also undermine consumer trust in automotive cybersecurity and impact regulatory compliance, especially under EU directives related to vehicle safety and cybersecurity (e.g., UNECE WP.29 regulations).

1. Immediate deployment of Tesla’s official software update or patch for version 2024.8 once available is critical. Organizations should prioritize updating all affected Model 3 vehicles to the patched version. 2. Implement network segmentation within vehicle maintenance and diagnostic environments to restrict access to the TPMS communication channels, limiting network adjacency opportunities for attackers. 3. Monitor vehicle CAN bus traffic for anomalous or unauthorized messages indicative of exploitation attempts, using specialized automotive intrusion detection systems (IDS). 4. Restrict physical and wireless access to vehicle diagnostic ports and interfaces that could be used to inject malicious TPMS certificate responses. 5. Collaborate with Tesla and automotive cybersecurity vendors to receive timely threat intelligence and apply recommended security controls specific to VCSEC and TPMS modules. 6. For fleet operators, establish incident response plans that include rapid isolation and remediation procedures for compromised vehicles. 7. Engage in regular security audits and penetration testing focused on vehicle subsystem communications to proactively identify and mitigate similar vulnerabilities.