Hackers control Tesla Model S remotely

Tesla has updated its software after Chinese researchers were able to hack into the brakes, door locks and other electronic features of a Tesla Model S from a distance of 19km.

The team from Keen Security Lab were effectively able to target the car’s controller area network or Can bus in the first remote exploit of the car that reveals the real potential for real-world attacks.

By targeting the car’s Can bus, the hackers were enabled to open the Tesla Model S P85’s trunk while it moved at low speed, turn on its windscreen wipers and move its wing mirrors.

In a YouTube video, the team of Chinese researchers Sen Nie, Ling Liu, and Wen Lu, along with director Samuel Lv, targeted both the Tesla Model S P85 and Model 75D, although they said attacks would work across all marques.

The hackers started off by revealing their control of lights, windows and chairs when the car was stationary. They then moved on to taking over the dash software of a Tesla Model S 75D when in parking mode. There appeared though to be a limitation on this attack as it necessitated the driver first search for a nearby charging station.

Within days of receiving the report, Tesla deployed an over-the-air software update that addressed the potential security issue and eliminated vulnerabilities. “The issue demonstrated is only triggered when the web browser is used, and also required the car to be physically near to and connected to a malicious WiFi hotspot. Our realistic estimate is that the risk to our customers was very low, but this did not stop us from responding quickly,” said a Tesla spokesperson.