Alpine iLX-F511 SSH Vulnerability Allows Unauthenticated Remote Code Execution
A critical vulnerability in Alpine's iLX-F511 car infotainment system allows unauthenticated remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via its SSH service by leveraging hard-coded credentials.
A critical security vulnerability has been discovered in the Alpine iLX-F511 car infotainment system, enabling unauthenticated remote attackers to execute arbitrary code. The flaw, detailed in advisory ZDI-26-819 by the Zero Day Initiative (ZDI), resides within the device's SSH service.
The vulnerability stems from the use of hard-coded credentials within the SSH implementation. This allows an attacker, who only needs network adjacency to the vulnerable device, to bypass authentication mechanisms entirely. Once authenticated through these hard-coded credentials, an attacker can execute commands with the privileges of the 'telechips' user, potentially leading to full system compromise.
With a CVSS score of 6.3, this vulnerability presents a significant risk. The ability to execute arbitrary code remotely without any form of authentication is a severe security concern, especially for a device that often manages sensitive information or provides critical functions within a vehicle. The exploit requires the attacker to be on the same local network as the target device.
The disclosure timeline indicates a lengthy process between the initial report and public release. ZDI first reported the vulnerability to the vendor on February 5, 2026. The vendor acknowledged the report and requested an extension, followed by ZDI's inquiry for an update on the fix. Ultimately, ZDI notified the vendor of their intention to publish the advisory as a zero-day on October 15, 2026, leading to the coordinated public release on October 28, 2026.
Given the nature of the vulnerability, which relies on hard-coded credentials within the SSH service, the primary mitigation strategy recommended by ZDI is to restrict network access to the product. This means ensuring that the Alpine iLX-F511 device is not exposed to untrusted networks and that its SSH service is inaccessible from the internet or other potentially compromised network segments.
This vulnerability was discovered by Sina Kheirkhah of the Summoning Team. The Zero Day Initiative, a program of Trend Micro, is dedicated to discovering and disclosing vulnerabilities, working with vendors to ensure security patches are developed and deployed. Their advisories often highlight critical flaws that may not yet have public CVE identifiers or vendor patches.
While the vendor's response timeline suggests efforts were made to address the issue, the advisory's publication as a zero-day indicates that a patch may not have been available or timely for all users at the time of disclosure. Users of the Alpine iLX-F511 are strongly advised to consult Alpine's official support channels for any available security updates or patches to mitigate this risk.