They hack a Tesla Model 3 in two minutes and win the jackpot
Car companies sometimes use well-meaning hackers to test the security of their electronic and computer systems, discover potential flaws and fix them. Tesla is one of them and even offers rewards via the Bugcrowd platform.
A French cybersecurity company, Synacktiv, won the international hacking competition Pwn2Own 2023 held recently in Vancouver by infiltrating a Tesla Model 3 in under two minutes.
Taking advantage of a breach in the Gateway system that manages communication between the compact electric sedan and Tesla's Powerwall home battery, her team was able to quickly access the infotainment system and replace Tesla's logo with her own, among other things. She also played with the lights, horn and windshield wipers.
In another attempt, Synacktiv gained access to a Model 3 via an Ethernet network, which allowed her to open the doors and trunks while the car was running. For obvious security reasons, it did not attempt to take control of the driving.
Tesla experts on site confirmed that the hacks were indeed successful. The feat earned Synacktiv a USD 350,000 grant... and a brand-new Model 3!
Tesla assures that the main controls of the vehicle (engine, pedals, steering wheel) have never been threatened, which Synacktiv however doubts. In any case, as it does regularly to correct problems, the Californian manufacturer mentioned that a software update will soon be sent to Model 3 owners so that such hacking is no longer possible.
In January 2022, a 19-year-old hacker made headlines after discovering a computer flaw in Tesla's systems that allowed him to access more than 25 Tesla cars located in 13 countries around the world.
He was apparently able to see if a person was on board, unlock the doors, control the windows, radio and lights, start the car and disable the anti-theft functions simply by using his computer. However, driving the Tesla remotely was impossible.
