The vulnerability CVE-2025-34251 affects Tesla's Telematics Control Unit (TCU) firmware versions prior to 2025.14. The TCU runs the Android Debug Bridge daemon (adbd) with root privileges, which is unusual because adbd typically requires authentication to prevent unauthorized access. Although Tesla implemented a lockdown mechanism that disables the adb shell command to prevent direct shell access, other adb functionalities such as adb push, adb pull, and adb forward remain enabled. These commands allow file transfers and port forwarding without requiring authentication. Because the TCU's USB port is externally accessible, an attacker with physical access can connect a device and use adb push to write arbitrary files to writable locations on the TCU. Subsequently, the attacker can overwrite critical kernel parameters like uevent_helper or /proc/sys/kernel/hotplug, which control the execution of scripts triggered by kernel events. By modifying these parameters, the attacker can cause their malicious script to be executed with root privileges, effectively gaining full control over the TCU and potentially the vehicle's systems. This vulnerability arises from improper privilege management (CWE-269) and inadequate authentication (CWE-288) in the TCU's firmware. The CVSS 4.0 base score is 8.6 (high), reflecting the vulnerability's high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, combined with low attack complexity and no required authentication or user interaction. Although no known exploits have been reported in the wild, the vulnerability poses a serious risk if an attacker gains physical access to the vehicle. Tesla has released firmware version 2025.14 to address this issue, but no patch links are provided in the data. Organizations and individuals using affected Tesla vehicles should apply the update promptly to mitigate the risk.

The impact of CVE-2025-34251 on European organizations is significant, especially for those relying on Tesla vehicles for business operations, logistics, or critical services. Successful exploitation allows an attacker with physical access to gain root-level control over the TCU, potentially enabling manipulation of vehicle telemetry, disabling safety features, or injecting malicious code that could affect vehicle behavior. This compromises the confidentiality of sensitive data transmitted via the TCU, the integrity of vehicle control systems, and the availability of telematics services. For fleet operators, this could lead to operational disruptions, safety incidents, and reputational damage. Additionally, compromised vehicles could be used as entry points into broader corporate networks if connected systems are not properly segmented. The physical access requirement limits remote exploitation but does not eliminate risk, as vehicles are often parked in accessible locations. European regulatory frameworks such as GDPR and NIS2 may impose legal and compliance consequences if personal data or critical infrastructure is affected. Therefore, the threat extends beyond individual vehicle owners to organizations and public entities using Tesla vehicles in Europe.

To mitigate CVE-2025-34251, European organizations and Tesla vehicle owners should: 1) Immediately update the TCU firmware to version 2025.14 or later, which addresses the authentication bypass and privilege escalation issues. 2) Physically secure vehicles to prevent unauthorized access to the USB port, including parking in secure locations and using physical port blockers if available. 3) Implement monitoring for unusual telematics activity or unexpected changes in vehicle behavior that could indicate compromise. 4) For fleet operators, segment telematics systems from corporate networks to limit lateral movement in case of compromise. 5) Engage with Tesla support or authorized service centers to verify firmware versions and confirm remediation status. 6) Educate drivers and personnel about the risks of physical access attacks and encourage reporting of suspicious activity. 7) Advocate for Tesla to provide detailed patch information and consider additional hardening of the TCU, such as disabling adb push/pull when not needed and enforcing stronger authentication mechanisms. These steps go beyond generic advice by focusing on physical security, network segmentation, and proactive monitoring tailored to the unique nature of this vulnerability.