Threat Actor “zestix” Claims 18.3 GB Mercedes-Benz USA Data Breach
A cybercriminal using the alias “zestix” has allegedly compromised the legal and customer data systems of Mercedes-Benz USA, claiming to have stolen 18.3 GB of highly sensitive information. The threat actor is reportedly selling the leaked archive on a dark web marketplace for $5,000, potentially exposing thousands of customers and confidential corporate documents.
Cyber-intelligence firm ThreatMon identified the leak, noting that the data allegedly spans litigation files across 48 U.S. states, including customer warranty disputes and internal legal strategies.
What the Alleged Mercedes-Benz Data Leak Contains
Leaked Legal Documents and Warranty Litigation Files
According to the dark web listing, the breach targets the legal framework supporting the automaker’s defense against warranty claims involving the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act and the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act. If verified, the exposed files may include:
- Internal litigation strategies
- Outside counsel billing rates
- Settlement negotiation guidelines
- Confidential template documents
- Customer PII tied to warranty cases
- Sensitive legal correspondence
These materials reportedly reveal “every defensive strategy” used by the automaker in U.S. consumer warranty disputes, creating potential risks for ongoing and future lawsuits.
Vendor Compromise Highlights Growing Supply Chain Security Risks
Breach May Stem From a Third-Party Legal Vendor
Unlike previous security issues involving Mercedes-Benz USA—including a 2021 cloud storage misconfiguration affecting nearly 1,000 customers—this incident appears to originate from a third-party legal vendor. The actor also claims the archive includes “New Vendor Questionnaire” files containing bank account details, opening the door to:
- Business Email Compromise (BEC) attacks
- Vendor impersonation scams
- Financial fraud within the automotive supply chain
Supply chain vulnerabilities continue to be a major challenge for enterprise cybersecurity, especially when external legal vendors handle high-value corporate and consumer data.
Potential Impact on Mercedes-Benz Customers and Legal Cases
Exposure of Sensitive Legal Strategy Could Affect Ongoing Litigation
The public exposure of confidential forms, settlement strategies, and legal operating procedures may significantly affect the automaker’s litigation posture. Legal analysts warn that such leaks could:
- Undermine MBUSA’s legal defense strategies
- Influence settlement negotiations
- Expose customers involved in active warranty disputes
- Enable social engineering attacks using case-file details
As the leaked data allegedly includes customer PII, the risk of identity theft, phishing, and targeted scam attempts is heightened.
No Official Confirmation Yet From Mercedes-Benz USA or Law Firm
At this time, neither the automaker nor its alleged legal partner, Burris & MacOmber LLP, has confirmed the legitimacy of the dataset. Cybersecurity experts recommend treating the claims seriously until verified, given the sensitivity and volume of the information described in the listing.
What Affected Consumers Should Do Now
Recommended Security Steps for Customers in Warranty Disputes
Security experts advise customers who recently filed warranty claims to:
- Monitor credit reports for suspicious activity
- Enable fraud alerts on bank and credit accounts
- Beware of phishing emails referencing vehicle repairs or case numbers
- Verify all legal correspondence before responding
If validated, the breach could have long-standing consequences for both customers and the automaker’s legal operations.
