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How Hackers Can Track and Control Cars: An In-Depth Exploration
The increasing integration of technology into vehicles has introduced numerous conveniences, but it has also created new avenues for hackers to exploit. Among the most alarming of these is the ability of hackers to track and control cars remotely using vulnerabilities in connected car systems. This extended post delves deeply into how these hacks occur, their implications, and what can be done to mitigate these risks.
Understanding Connected Car Vulnerabilities
Connected cars rely on a web of technologies to enable remote control, monitoring, and convenience features. These technologies include cellular SIM cards, APIs (Application Programming Interfaces), and cloud-based systems. While these systems enhance functionality, they also introduce vulnerabilities that attackers can exploit.
API Vulnerabilities
APIs serve as the bridge between a car’s hardware, software, and external systems. When poorly secured:
• Authentication Flaws: APIs may lack multi-factor authentication, allowing unauthorized users to gain access.
• Data Exposure: Sensitive information, such as vehicle location and owner details, can be leaked through APIs.
• Exploitable Commands: APIs may accept unauthorized commands to unlock or start the car.
Dealer Portals and Centralized Systems
In the case of Kia vehicles, the hackers exploited vulnerabilities in the dealer portal, a centralized system designed for vehicle management. By using a vehicle’s license plate to derive its VIN (Vehicle Identification Number), attackers could bypass authentication protocols and send commands to the car.
Step-by-Step Process: How Hackers Track and Control Cars
Step 1: Gathering Initial Data
The attack begins with publicly visible data — the vehicle’s license plate number. License plates are an easily accessible identifier, often shared in social media posts or visible in public spaces.
Step 2: License Plate to VIN Conversion
Hackers use APIs provided by data brokers or government-linked entities to convert the license plate number into a VIN. These services, intended for legitimate use by businesses or law enforcement, can be exploited by malicious actors for a minimal fee.
Step 3: Exploiting the Dealer Portal
Once the VIN is obtained, attackers target vulnerabilities in the dealer portal. Key weaknesses include:
• Insufficient Authentication: Some dealer portals accept minimal authentication checks, enabling unauthorized access.
• Overlapping User Roles: Hackers may exploit APIs designed for both dealers and customers by manipulating requests.
• Privilege Escalation: Attackers can register themselves as the primary owner of a vehicle in the system, demoting the actual owner.
Step 4: Gaining Control of the Vehicle
Through the compromised dealer portal, attackers can execute commands remotely, such as:
• Unlocking Doors: Gaining physical access to the vehicle.
• Starting the Engine: Activating the car without a key.
• Tracking Location: Monitoring the vehicle’s movements via GPS.
• Accessing Cameras: Viewing live feeds from 360° cameras installed on the car.
Step 5: Avoiding Detection
One of the most alarming aspects of these hacks is their stealth. The system often fails to notify owners of unauthorized access or changes, leaving victims unaware of the breach.
Real-World Scenarios: Implications of Vehicle Hacking
Scenario 1: Stalking and Harassment
A celebrity or public figure’s car could be tracked in real-time using their license plate number, posing severe safety risks. In the wrong hands, this capability could be used for stalking, harassment, or worse.
Scenario 2: Vehicle Theft
Hackers can unlock and start cars remotely, enabling theft without the need for physical tampering. Unlike traditional theft, which often leaves evidence like broken windows or jimmied locks, these hacks leave little to no trace.
Scenario 3: Road Rage Escalation
In situations of road rage, an attacker could use the vehicle’s license plate to track its location, potentially leading to dangerous confrontations.
Scenario 4: Data Leaks
Beyond controlling the vehicle, attackers could access sensitive data linked to the car, including the owner’s personal information, phone number, and home address.
How Kia’s Vulnerability Was Exploited
Proof-of-Concept by Ethical Hackers
The ethical hackers who identified the Kia vulnerability built a proof-of-concept app to demonstrate the attack’s feasibility. The app allowed users to input a license plate number and execute commands such as unlocking the car, tracking its location, or starting the engine.
Key Findings
1. Systemic Flaws in API Security: The APIs lacked robust authentication, making them easy to manipulate.
2. Dealer Portal Vulnerabilities: The dealer portal was designed with insufficient security, enabling attackers to create fake accounts and execute commands.
3. No Alerts to Victims: Victims were not notified of unauthorized access, allowing attackers to operate undetected.
Scope of the Vulnerability
The vulnerability affected nearly all Kia vehicles manufactured after 2013, showcasing the widespread implications of such systemic flaws.
The Broader Context: Connected Car Risks Across Manufacturers
Kia is not the only manufacturer facing these challenges. Similar vulnerabilities have been identified in other brands and connected systems. For example:
• Tesla: The implementation of features like “Summon Mode” raises concerns about remote vehicle control and potential misuse.
• BMW and Mercedes: Previous vulnerabilities allowed attackers to geolocate and unlock vehicles using similar methods.
• Apple’s iCloud System: Hackers have exploited APIs to access personal data, demonstrating the broader risks of connected ecosystems.
The Privacy Perspective: Cars as Surveillance Tools
Modern vehicles are equipped with a host of sensors and connectivity features, effectively turning them into rolling surveillance tools. This poses significant privacy concerns:
1. Data Collection by Manufacturers: Many vehicles collect and store data on location, driving habits, and even in-cabin conversations.
2. Government Access: Centralized systems make it easier for governments to subpoena location data for investigations.
3. Abuse by Insiders: Employees at dealerships or data brokers could misuse their access to track individuals or compromise their privacy.
Mitigation Strategies: Strengthening Vehicle Security
For Manufacturers
• Enhance API Security: Implement multi-factor authentication and encrypted communications for all API endpoints.
• Regular Penetration Testing: Engage ethical hackers to identify vulnerabilities before attackers do.
• User Notifications: Develop systems that alert users to unauthorized access or changes to their accounts.
• Legislation and Standards: Work with regulators to establish robust cybersecurity standards for connected vehicles.
For Vehicle Owners
• Limit Data Sharing: Avoid posting license plate numbers publicly, especially on social media.
• Use Privacy Services: Employ tools like DeleteMe to minimize the availability of personal data online.
• Regular Software Updates: Ensure the vehicle’s firmware is updated to patch known vulnerabilities.
• Disable Connected Features: If not needed, turn off connected car features that could expose the vehicle to remote attacks.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Connected Vehicle Security
As technology advances, connected cars will only become more integrated into our daily lives. While this promises exciting innovations, it also demands a proactive approach to cybersecurity. Manufacturers must prioritize security from the design stage, and consumers need to be vigilant about protecting their privacy.
Conclusion
The ability of hackers to track and control cars using only a license plate number is a stark reminder of the risks posed by connected technologies. By exploiting vulnerabilities in APIs and centralized systems, attackers can compromise vehicles on a massive scale. This calls for immediate action from manufacturers, regulators, and consumers to address these threats and ensure that technological progress does not come at the expense of security and privacy.
