3 German Students Hack a Tesla Model 3 and Unlock Features That Require Subscription

A group of researchers from the Technical University of Berlin in Germany have successfully hacked into a Tesla Model 3 infotainment system, allowing them to unlock features that normally require payment for free, the researchers told TechCrunch.

Tesla electric cars, the brainchild of Elon Musk's electric car company, have revolutionized the automotive industry with their cutting-edge technology and innovative features. However, this level of technological sophistication has also made them vulnerable to hackers and cybercriminals. The three German researchers' objective, mentioned above, was to unlock features that usually require payment, and they succeeded in doing so using a technique called 'voltage glitching.'

The Hack: Exploring the Technique

The researchers employed 'voltage glitching,' a clever hardware manipulation technique, to exploit the vulnerabilities in the Tesla Model 3's infotainment system. By tampering with the supply voltage of the AMD processor, they could trick the CPU into executing their own code, effectively bypassing the restrictions on certain in-car features. The hack allowed them to unlock features such as heated rear seats, which typically require a separate payment.

Potential Consequences: System Vulnerabilities and Access to Personal Data

The implications of this Tesla Model 3 hack go beyond unlocking paid features. The researchers discovered that the same technique enabled them to extract the encryption key used to authenticate the car on Tesla's network. With access to this key, hackers could potentially gain unauthorized access to other features and personal information stored within the vehicle. Among the sensitive data accessed were contacts, call logs, calendar appointments, visited locations, Wi-Fi passwords, and email account tokens. This raises significant concerns about privacy and data security within Tesla's technology.

Security Implications and Tesla's Response

The researchers revealed that mitigating their attack is no simple task. Tesla would likely need to replace the hardware responsible for the vulnerability, making it a more challenging issue to address than a software-based exploit. As of now, Tesla has not officially commented on this specific investigation, but it highlights the importance of continuous efforts to improve system security.

Ethical Approach: The Infiltrator Perspective

One interesting aspect of this hack is the researchers' approach as "the infiltrator." They were not outsiders trying to breach the system maliciously; rather, they owned the car and aimed to access features they believed should be available to them without extra charges. This ethical angle sheds light on the need for companies like Tesla to consider user perspectives while designing their products and pricing their features.

Tesla's Security Measures and Future Improvements

Tesla is known for its proactive approach to cybersecurity and has previously dealt with attempts to bypass its paywall for features. However, this hardware-based exploit presents new challenges. To address such vulnerabilities in the future, Tesla must continuously improve its security protocols and collaborate with ethical hackers and security researchers to identify and fix potential weaknesses.

The successful hack of a Tesla Model 3 by researchers from the Technical University of Berlin showcases the intricate relationship between cutting-edge technology and cybersecurity vulnerabilities. The 'voltage glitching' technique they employed exposed weaknesses in the infotainment system and highlighted the importance of continuous security improvements in smart vehicles. Tesla and other automotive manufacturers must remain vigilant and proactive in addressing potential threats to ensure the safety and privacy of their customers. As technology continues to advance, so must the security measures in place to protect against unauthorized access and cyber threats in the ever-evolving automotive landscape.

Armen Hareyan is the founder and the Editor in Chief of Torque News. He founded TorqueNews.com in 2010, which since then has been publishing expert news and analysis about the automotive industry. He can be reached at Torque News Twitter, Facebok, Linkedin and Youtube.