Following recent hacks of Chrysler Jeep and Tesla Model S automobiles, University of California-San Diego (UCSD) researchers have discovered that several car manufacturers' features can be controlled through security vulnerabilities in feature-adding smartphone dongles. The hardware boxes are used for features such as increasing fuel efficiency and collecting insurance data. UC Scientists broke into a Chevrolet Corvette's Mobile Devices dongle by using text messages to switch on wipers, cut brakes, and make total control of the vehicle possible.
Dongles are hardware in the form of small plastic boxes. They can have several functions, including linking the vehicle to the Internet, improving gas usage, and collecting auto insurance data, according to CNET.
The hackers used a universal key. That made it easier to gain comprehensive access to the vehicle's operation.
Following the UCSD's hack, Mobile Devices created patches for its hardware, according to Engadget. In addition, the phone numbers for the vehicle's dongles are usually not public, so hackers would have to make random guesses to find a possible target car.
Still, the major issue is that manufacturers of other dongles also have security holes. To make matters worse, they might not be providing patches in a timely manner.
This could give hackers the ability to create annoying situations for the drivers and passengers of autos with the hardware. In a worst-case situation they could cause exploited cars or trucks to stop operating in the middle of a busy highway or country road.
The latest hack differs from the recent attacks on Chrysler and Tesla vehicles, which exploited security holes in the dashboard entertainment systems. Instead, USCD researchers gained direct access to the car's brain.
The California academics warn that other vehicles with similar telematics dongles could be at risk of being hacked via one SMS message. Car owners must "think twice" about what they plug into their automobiles.
Chevrolet's Corvette has been manufactured since 1953. Its first model unveiled was a convertible at the GM Motorama concept car show during that year, and was named after a type of small warship.