In recent years, the evolution of technology in vehicles has brought incredible convenience. However, this advancement also introduces new cybersecurity threats. Researchers recently discovered critical flaws in Kia cars, which allowed hackers to remotely control vehicles using just a car’s license plate information. While Kia addressed these vulnerabilities in August 2024, the discovery highlights the potential dangers of connected cars.
How Hackers Could Have Exploited Kia’s Vulnerability
The flaw, revealed by cybersecurity researchers, allowed hackers to use Kia’s connected car systems, such as mobile apps, to interact with the vehicle’s critical components remotely. The vulnerability stemmed from how license plate data was linked to vehicle systems. Hackers could extract sensitive information, potentially bypassing security measures, and execute commands such as unlocking doors or even disabling the engine.
By abusing weaknesses in Kia’s mobile infrastructure, attackers could leverage the car’s communication protocols and send unauthorized commands remotely. What made the issue particularly concerning was that minimal interaction—only the license plate number—was needed to exploit the flaw.
The Kia Vulnerability Explained
The vulnerabilities were located in the connected systems of Kia cars, which enabled remote control features. Researchers demonstrated that simply knowing the car’s license plate could grant unauthorized access to the vehicle’s system. With this access, malicious actors could manipulate vital car functions like locking/unlocking the doors, starting the engine, and even controlling certain aspects of the driving system.
The researchers compared this to gaining control of someone’s Facebook account through an introduced code change, emphasizing how even small vulnerabilities can result in major consequences. Kia moved swiftly to patch the vulnerabilities, and fortunately, no evidence has surfaced of these issues being exploited in the wild.
Why Vehicle Security Is at Risk
Much like vulnerabilities in web applications, automotive systems are increasingly susceptible to flaws in their code. As cars evolve to become more connected, integrating mobile applications, Bluetooth, GPS, and Wi-Fi, they create new opportunities for hackers. Researchers likened it to how a single software update on platforms like Meta can inadvertently introduce vulnerabilities, which cybercriminals can exploit.
Kia is not alone in this. Other car manufacturers have also faced challenges in securing their increasingly digital systems. Vulnerabilities may arise from software flaws, unsecured cloud infrastructure, or poorly designed communication protocols between cars and the applications they interface with.
How Kia Addressed the Vulnerability
Kia issued a patch in August 2024 to resolve the problem. The patch fortified their communication systems and strengthened the encryption protocols linking license plates to vehicle systems. Fortunately, Kia reported no known exploitation of this vulnerability in the wild, but the case serves as a cautionary tale for the auto industry.
The automaker worked with cybersecurity researchers to test the new updates, ensuring they could not be bypassed easily. They also recommended that all Kia car owners keep their mobile apps up to date, reinforcing the importance of patch management in keeping digital systems secure.
The Future of Vehicle Cybersecurity
As cars become more sophisticated, the scope for cyber-attacks will only grow. Today, it’s possible for hackers to remotely control vehicles, siphon off personal data, and tamper with vehicle functions— all from a distance. Companies must continuously audit their systems, deploy regular updates, and incorporate stronger encryption methods to avoid exploitation.
The Kia vulnerability is just one instance in a broader, growing concern over automotive cybersecurity. Connected cars rely on several systems for functionality, including mobile apps, GPS, and vehicle-to-infrastructure communication. Hackers can exploit weaknesses in any of these systems to take control of vehicles remotely, as they did with Kia’s flawed connection to its license plate data.
Past Examples of Automotive Hacks
One of the most notable automotive cybersecurity breaches was the infamous Jeep Cherokee hack in 2015. Researchers remotely disabled the car’s engine and controlled its steering through its onboard internet connection, showcasing the real dangers of connected vehicles. Similarly, a Tesla Model S was hacked in 2016 by exploiting its Wi-Fi connection, allowing attackers to open doors and control braking remotely.
These examples illustrate how even minor oversights in a vehicle’s software can lead to significant security vulnerabilities, with the potential to cause accidents, data theft, and even fatalities.
How Hackers Exploit Vehicle Vulnerabilities
Hackers often exploit poorly secured interfaces, weak encryption, and unpatched software. In many cases, cars use outdated communication protocols that fail to prevent unauthorized access. Mobile apps connected to cars may also lack proper encryption, allowing hackers to intercept and manipulate the communication between the app and the vehicle.
With more automakers integrating over-the-air updates for software maintenance, hackers are actively looking for ways to infiltrate these updates and deploy malicious code. A car’s onboard systems are often interconnected, meaning once hackers gain access to one component—like infotainment—they can move laterally to control critical systems such as steering, braking, and the engine.
How to Mitigate the Risks of Vehicle Hacks
- Strong Authentication: Implement multi-factor authentication for mobile apps connected to vehicles.
- End-to-End Encryption: Ensure all communication between the car and external systems, such as apps or remote servers, is encrypted.
- Patch Management: Automakers should prioritize frequent updates to address any newly discovered vulnerabilities.
- User Awareness: Drivers should avoid installing unauthorized third-party apps that claim to offer enhanced vehicle control, as they may introduce security risks.
- Network Segmentation: Manufacturers should design car systems to isolate critical systems like braking and engine control from less secure infotainment or navigation systems.
The Growing Role of Cybersecurity in the Auto Industry
As vehicles become more connected, cybersecurity must become a critical part of the design and development process. Regulatory bodies are pushing for stricter standards, and some automakers have started offering bug bounties to incentivize researchers to discover and report vulnerabilities.
Automakers must adopt a proactive approach, continuously evaluating and fortifying their systems against new threats. With the increasing integration of AI and autonomous driving systems, securing the vehicle’s digital ecosystem will be crucial to preventing catastrophic attacks.
Conclusion
The Kia vulnerability serves as a wake-up call for the entire automotive industry. Manufacturers must prioritize robust cybersecurity measures to protect vehicles from hackers who can exploit even the smallest vulnerabilities. Consumers also have a role to play in securing their cars by staying vigilant, regularly updating software, and being cautious of third-party apps. In the rapidly advancing world of connected cars, the future of automotive security will depend on cooperation between manufacturers, cybersecurity experts, and consumers.
Author Vladimir Rene certify cybersecurity expert
