Hackers crack Tesla software to get free features

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Hackers have declared that they have successfully discovered a method to access self-driving updates and additional high-end features on Tesla cars without having to make any payments.

The team of scientists from TU Berlin who uncovered the "jailbreak" argue that it is impossible to fix, implying that the manufacturer of electric cars cannot stop individuals from taking advantage of the exploit unless they swap out the physical components of the vehicles.

The researchers stated in a briefing that provided information about their finding that Tesla has gained recognition for their sophisticated and seamlessly coordinated vehicle computers, which are capable of not only offering ordinary sources of amusement but also achieving complete autonomous driving functionality.

In recent times, Tesla has begun utilizing this long-standing platform to facilitate purchases made within the vehicle. This not only includes acquiring extra connectivity features, but also extends to analog functionalities like enhancing the speed of the rear heated seats.

Thus, exploiting the embedded car computer can grant users access to these functionalities without incurring any charges.

The online assault is aimed at Tesla's Media Control Unit (MCU) infotainment system present in all the latest models, employing an approach called voltage glitching to exploit a recognized vulnerability with the AMD processor in the MCU.

The assault reveals private details, like the list of individuals and scheduled events, although it necessitates the perpetrator to physically reach the vehicle for its execution.

Tesla's paywall system restricts access to exclusive features such as Acceleration Boost, priced at $2,000, and Full Self-Driving, available for $15,000. The researchers did not assess every software upgrade, so it remains uncertain whether this hack would unlock all of them.

The vulnerability will be showcased at the Black Hat cybersecurity event in Las Vegas on Wednesday, August 9th. The presentation, named 'Cracking the Code on a 2023 Electric Car' or also known as 'Decoding Tesla's x86-powered Heated Seats', will explain how to bypass security measures and gain unauthorized access to a Tesla vehicle.

The Independent reached out to Tesla for a comment but did not receive a response.