CVE-2022-42430 Use after free in Model 3

High 8.8 Published 29 Mar 2023 Updated 14 Feb 2025

Local attackers with privileged code execution can escalate privileges to root via a use-after-free flaw in Tesla Model 3 vehicles.

Exploited in the wild: Not known
Login needed: Any signed-in user
Attackable: Local or same network only
Victim action needed: Not needed
Fix: None listed

What is CVE-2022-42430?

CVE-2022-42430 is a high-severity use after free vulnerability in Tesla Model 3, published on 29 Mar 2023. It can only be exploited from the same machine or local network, with no action from the victim.

Official description

This vulnerability allows local attackers to escalate privileges on affected Tesla vehicles. An attacker must first obtain the ability to execute privileged code on the target system in order to exploit this vulnerability. The specific flaw exists within the handling of the wowlan_config data structure. The issue results from the lack of validating the existence of an object prior to performing operations on the object. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges and execute arbitrary code in the context of root. Was ZDI-CAN-17543.

Weakness: CWE-416

Which versions are affected by CVE-2022-42430?

It affects 1 product.

Products include Tesla Model 3 Firmware.

How do I fix CVE-2022-42430?

No fix has been published for CVE-2022-42430 yet. Limit exposure of the affected software until one is available.

Upgrade to the fixed version. These bugs are found with fuzzing and sanitisers and avoided by memory-safe languages. More about Use after free.

Is CVE-2022-42430 being exploited?

There is no known exploitation of CVE-2022-42430 in the wild and no public exploit code.

Sources

Also known as GHSA-4f3p-pr3g-6qgf.