Tesla flaws could let hackers turn off lights, honk says Research
Tesla Cars Found to Have Security Flaws, Putting Drivers at Risk
Tesla has been making headlines for its innovative electric cars that are known for their speed and safety features. However, recent research by a French security firm Synacktiv has found some vulnerabilities in Tesla cars that could put drivers at risk.
The researchers discovered that hackers could remotely access the vehicle’s infotainment system and take control of some of its functions. This means that they could turn off the lights, honk the horn, and activate the windshield wipers, causing significant disruptions to the driver’s attention and safety.
The security flaws were discovered during a hackathon where the Synacktiv team was able to gain access to the car’s infotainment system using an Ethernet cable. They found that the system was running on a vulnerable version of the Chromium browser, which is used by Tesla to power its dashboard displays.
The researchers were able to exploit this vulnerability by injecting malicious code into the browser’s JavaScript engine. This allowed them to take control of various functions of the car’s infotainment system, including the lights, horn, and windshield wipers.
The researchers notified Tesla of their findings, and the company quickly released a security patch to address the vulnerabilities. However, it is unclear how many cars may have been affected by the flaws before the patch was released.
The potential risks posed by these vulnerabilities are significant. Hackers could cause accidents or disrupt traffic by turning off the lights of a car driving at night. They could also use the horn to create noise pollution or distract drivers, putting them at risk of losing control of their vehicle.
The Synacktiv team was awarded a $350,000 cash prize and a Tesla car for their discovery of the security flaws. While the prize is a significant sum, the researchers hope that their findings will encourage Tesla and other car manufacturers to invest more in security measures to protect drivers and their vehicles.
This is not the first time that Tesla has faced security concerns. In 2019, a group of researchers was able to hack into a Tesla Model S’s keyless entry system and drive off with the car in under two minutes. The incident highlighted the need for car manufacturers to prioritize cybersecurity in their vehicles.
The discovery of security flaws in Tesla cars is a reminder that even the most advanced technologies can be vulnerable to hacking. It is crucial for car manufacturers to prioritize security measures to protect their customers and ensure the safety of their vehicles. While Tesla has released a patch to address the vulnerabilities, it is essential that the company and others continue to invest in cybersecurity to prevent future incidents.
