CVE-2025-32059 is a stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability (CWE-121) found in the Bluetooth stack developed by Alps Alpine for Bosch Infotainment system ECUs. The flaw stems from inadequate boundary checks on user-supplied data received over the upper layer L2CAP channel, a protocol used in Bluetooth communications. When a specially crafted packet is sent to the vulnerable ECU, it triggers a buffer overflow on the stack, enabling an attacker to execute arbitrary code remotely with root privileges. This vulnerability requires no prior authentication or user interaction, increasing its risk profile. The affected product version identified is 283C30861E, with the first known affected vehicle being the Nissan Leaf ZE1 manufactured in 2020. The vulnerability was publicly disclosed in February 2026 and carries a CVSS v3.1 score of 8.8, reflecting high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Although no exploits have been reported in the wild, the potential for remote code execution on critical vehicle components poses a significant threat to vehicle security and safety. The Bluetooth L2CAP channel is commonly used for data transmission in infotainment systems, making this attack vector plausible in real-world scenarios. The vulnerability's root cause is a classic buffer overflow due to missing boundary validation, a well-understood and preventable software flaw. The lack of authentication and user interaction requirements means attackers can exploit this remotely, possibly from within Bluetooth range or via compromised devices connected to the vehicle's network. This vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices in automotive embedded systems and the need for timely patching and network access controls.

For European organizations, especially automotive manufacturers, suppliers, and fleet operators, this vulnerability poses a significant risk. Exploitation could lead to remote code execution with root privileges on the infotainment ECU, potentially allowing attackers to manipulate vehicle functions, access sensitive data, or disrupt vehicle operations. This threatens driver safety, data confidentiality, and vehicle availability. The impact extends to reputational damage, regulatory penalties under GDPR if personal data is compromised, and financial losses from recalls or remediation. Given the increasing integration of connected vehicle systems in Europe, the attack surface is expanding, making such vulnerabilities critical. Public transportation fleets and electric vehicle operators relying on Bosch infotainment systems could face operational disruptions. Additionally, the vulnerability could be leveraged as a foothold for lateral movement into other vehicle ECUs or backend systems, amplifying the threat. The lack of known exploits currently provides a window for proactive defense, but the high severity score underscores the urgency of mitigation.

1. Apply official Bosch or Alps Alpine patches immediately once released to address the buffer overflow vulnerability. 2. Implement strict Bluetooth access controls on affected vehicles, including disabling Bluetooth when not in use and restricting pairing to trusted devices only. 3. Monitor Bluetooth L2CAP channel traffic for anomalous or malformed packets indicative of exploitation attempts. 4. Employ network segmentation within vehicle architectures to isolate infotainment ECUs from critical control systems, limiting potential lateral movement. 5. Conduct regular security assessments and fuzz testing on Bluetooth stacks to identify similar vulnerabilities proactively. 6. Collaborate with automotive cybersecurity vendors to deploy intrusion detection systems tailored for vehicle networks. 7. Educate vehicle operators and fleet managers on the risks of connecting untrusted devices via Bluetooth. 8. Coordinate with regulatory bodies to ensure compliance with automotive cybersecurity standards such as UNECE WP.29. 9. Maintain incident response plans specific to vehicle cybersecurity incidents to enable rapid containment and recovery. 10. Encourage OEMs to adopt secure coding standards and perform rigorous boundary validation in embedded software development.