CVE-2018-18203

Name: CVE-2018-18203
Creator: NVD / NIST
Published: 2018-11-28T23:29:00.357+00:00
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/

UnknownEPSS 0.24%

Last modified Jun 17, 2026

CVE-2018-18203 is a vulnerability of currently unknown severity. A vulnerability in the update mechanism of Subaru StarLink Harman head units 2017, 2018, and 2019 may give an attacker (with physical access to the vehicle's USB ports) the ability to rewrite the firmware of the head unit. This occurs because the device accepts modified QNX6 filesystem images (as long as the attacker obtains access to certain Harman decryption/encryption code) as a consequence of a bug where unsigned images pass a validity check. EPSS estimates a 0.24% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days.

Description

A vulnerability in the update mechanism of Subaru StarLink Harman head units 2017, 2018, and 2019 may give an attacker (with physical access to the vehicle's USB ports) the ability to rewrite the firmware of the head unit. This occurs because the device accepts modified QNX6 filesystem images (as long as the attacker obtains access to certain Harman decryption/encryption code) as a consequence of a bug where unsigned images pass a validity check. An attacker could potentially install persistent malicious head unit firmware and execute arbitrary code as the root user.

Metrics

EPSS Probability

0.24%

15.1th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Weakness Enumeration

CWE-347

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions
Subaru	Starlink 2017 Firmware	All versions
Subaru	Starlink 2018 Firmware	All versions
Subaru	Starlink 2019 Firmware	All versions

References

https://github.com/sgayou/subaru_starlink_researchExploit, Third Party Advisory
https://github.com/sgayou/subaru_starlink_researchExploit, Third Party Advisory

Timeline

Published: Nov 28, 2018
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Modified

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2018-18203?

How severe is CVE-2018-18203?

Severity scoring for CVE-2018-18203 is pending analysis. The EPSS model estimates a 0.24% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2018-18203?

Check the vendor references and advisories linked above for patched versions and mitigation guidance. You can also run a Strix scan to test if your systems are affected.

Are you affected by CVE-2018-18203?

Run a free Strix scan to check your systems for this vulnerability.

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Source: NVD / NIST