Jump to content
Create New...
  • 💬 Join the Conversation

    CnG Logo SQ 2023 RedBlue FavIcon300w.png
    Since 2001, Cheers & Gears has been the go-to hub for automotive enthusiasts. Join today to access our vibrant forums, upload your vehicle to the Garage, and connect with fellow gearheads around the world.

     

  • William Maley
    William Maley

    Volkswagen Models Built Since 1995 Are Vulnerable To Wireless Hack

      Have a 1995 or newer Volkswagen? Your vehicle has a big security flaw.

    As more manufacturers begin to add more technologies (keyless entry, advanced infotainment system, and online connectivity), the danger of having a vehicle hacked increases. We saw this first-hand last year as two security researchers revealed a number of security holes in FCA's UConnect system that allowed them to access critical vehicle functions such as braking and steering. Now a new research paper reveals 100 million Volkswagen Group vehicles going back to 1995 have a serious security issue that can allow someone to unlock the vehicle without a key.

     

    Wired reports a group of researchers at the University of Birmingham and a German engineering firm were able to intercept the radio signal from the vehicle's keyfob. From there, a clone of the key can be made to unlock the vehicle. The hack can be done with few a computer components and a radio receiver for about $40.

     

    “You can really build something that functions exactly like the original remote,” said Flavio Garcia, a computer scientist University of Birmingham

     

    The researchers uncovered this flaw after reverse-engineering an undisclosed Volkswagen component and were able to extract a cryptographic key value that is common to many of the company's vehicles. Just having this key isn't enough, but when you intercept the signal from a key to get its cryptographic key value, then you can create a clone to unlock the vehicle.

     

    Volkswagen has reportedly acknowledged the vulnerability and is working on a fix. Researchers also note the only vehicle not affected by this is the latest Volkswagen Golf and sister models.

     

    Source: Wired

    User Feedback

    Recommended Comments

    There are no comments to display.



    Join the conversation

    You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
    Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

    Guest
    Add a comment...

    ×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

      Only 75 emoji are allowed.

    ×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

    ×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

    ×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.




  • Support Real Automotive Journalism

    Cheers and Gears Logo

    Since 2001, Cheers & Gears has delivered real content and honest opinions — not emotionless AI output or manufacturer-filtered fluff.

    If you value independent voices and authentic reviews, consider subscribing. Plans start at just $2.25/month, and paid members enjoy an ad-light experience.*

    You can view subscription options here.

    *a very limited number of ads contain special coupon deals for our members and will show

  • Similar Content

  • Posts

    • I find my self looking for the indicator in the fuel gauge often, 50/50 in my household...Jeep and Equinox fuel door on the driver's side, Mustang and Cadillac on the passenger side.   And the releases are all different... button on the lower left dash on the Jeep, push in on the fuel door w/ the Equinox, button in the glove box on the Mustang, remote for the Cadillac. 
    • First random thought: It always makes for a sigh of relief when they hand me the keys to a Malibu Second random thought: I'm irritated by fuel tank filler doors that are not on the same side as the driver's door
    • No tough corner, it is amazing to think you feel there is no degradation in a 20yr old ICE auto. I know that both EV and ICE wear out, battery packs will outlive the actual EV and ICE auto.  At this point we do not have enough data to know if the EV motors will lose as much hp/torque as an ICE does over 20yrs of use and depending on how an auto is cared for it can be big changes or minimal changes. I know my Escalade is in much better shape than most and being it is garage kept; it is out of the elements and sun just like my EV is. With that, I also know I have two oil leaks after 200,000 plus miles. The oil pan and another leak that I suspect is at the input of the transmission to the engine. Both are so minimal that the thousands it costs to repair the gaskets does not justify the expense. I can also tell you that the response of the V8 is NOT what it was when it was new. I do not expect the EV to be the same after 200,000 miles either. No corner here to worry about, both autos will wear out, I can also say that my Escalade does not get the 15 mpg it got new and now averages 12 mpg. A 20% decrease in MPG after 200,000 miles of use and 19 years old. With out a compression test, I could not tell you how worn the rings are, though since I have only ever used synthetic in the engine, I would have to think it is minimal as I do not burn any oil, but the overall engine has wear and tear and it is clearly tired in comparison to a new motor. End result is as the original story stated, the EV battery pack will outlive the auto and that will outlive most ICE auto's as while we have the average age now just a little over 12yrs old, most ICE are not on the road after 20 years.
    • I know you're put into a corner when you'll do anything to defend your EVs and your Escalade. It's tough to admit that your Escalade isn't wore out but you're trying to say 20 year old cars are all worn out at the same time. 
    • No, it is not. A 20 year old ICE vehicle is not losing any SIGNIFICANT amount of range or power output.    So you're basically saying your Escalade is a piece of junk at this point? It's 20 years old. I think we both know it's probably pretty close to OEM status when it comes to output and range, right?  Even if they aren't as simple as a good tune-up away, they are still way closer to factory output and range than a 20 year old EV will be. 
  • Who's Online (See full list)

    • There are no registered users currently online
  • My Clubs

×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue.

Hey there, we noticed you're using an ad-blocker. We're a small site that is supported by ads or subscriptions. We rely on these to pay for server costs and vehicle reviews.  Please consider whitelisting us in your ad-blocker, or if you really like what you see, you can pick up one of our subscriptions for just $1.75 a month or $15 a year. It may not seem like a lot, but it goes a long way to help support real, honest content, that isn't generated by an AI bot.

See you out there.

Drew
Editor-in-Chief

Write what you are looking for and press enter or click the search icon to begin your search