Source URL: https://it.slashdot.org/story/24/09/27/1950242/flaw-in-kias-web-portal-let-researchers-track-hack-cars?utm_source=rss1.0mainlinkanon&utm_medium=feed
Source: Slashdot
Title: Flaw In Kia’s Web Portal Let Researchers Track, Hack Cars
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Summary: The text discusses a significant security vulnerability found in the web portal used by Kia, which allowed independent security researchers to gain unauthorized control over various Internet-connected features in numerous Kia vehicles. This incident underscores ongoing issues with web-based automotive security that extend beyond Kia to include other manufacturers.
Detailed Description: The report outlines a critical security flaw discovered by independent security researchers in Kia’s web portal, which presents serious implications for the security of Internet-connected vehicles. Key points include:
– **Nature of the Vulnerability**: The researchers identified a way to reassign control of features in modern Kia vehicles from their rightful owners to malicious actors. This capability included tracking vehicle location, unlocking doors, honking the horn, and even starting the ignition remotely.
– **Scope of Impact**: The vulnerability potentially affected millions of cars on the road, covering dozens of Kia models that incorporate Internet connectivity features.
– **Response from Kia**: After being alerted to the issue in June, Kia issued a patch to address the problem but has not provided further communication regarding the investigation into the findings reported by the researchers.
– **Recurring Issues in the Industry**: The researchers highlighted that this was not an isolated incident. It was the second time they reported a similar vulnerability to Kia, indicating systemic issues with the security of web-based automotive systems. They also noted that comparable vulnerabilities have been found in the digital systems of other manufacturers such as Acura, Genesis, Honda, Hyundai, Infiniti, and Toyota over the past two years.
– **Broader Implications**: This incident raises important points about the overall security of connected vehicles, which can be seen as part of larger challenges in automotive cybersecurity. Given the trend towards increasing connectivity in vehicles, manufacturers need to prioritize security measures to protect user data and prevent unauthorized access.
– **Industry-Wide Challenges**: The existence of multiple related vulnerabilities across various manufacturers suggests that automotive cybersecurity is a pressing issue that requires collaboration and comprehensive solutions across the industry.
These findings are crucial for professionals in the fields of cybersecurity and compliance. They highlight the importance of implementing robust security measures for Internet-connected devices and vehicles, ensuring that vulnerabilities are swiftly identified and addressed to protect consumers.