Cybersecurity Flaws in Skoda Cars Could Enable Remote Tracking and Control
Critical Vulnerabilities Discovered in Vehicle Infotainment Systems
Security researchers have uncovered significant vulnerabilities in Skoda’s infotainment systems that could allow hackers to remotely access vehicle controls and track locations in real-time. The findings reveal potential risks for drivers of certain Skoda models, particularly the Superb III sedan.
Key Findings from PCAutomotive Research
At Black Hat Europe this week, automotive cybersecurity firm PCAutomotive disclosed:
- 12 newly discovered vulnerabilities in Skoda Superb III’s MIB3 infotainment unit
- Potential for remote code execution when the system starts
- Ability for attackers to access:
- Live GPS coordinates and speed data
- In-car microphone recordings
- Infotainment display screenshots
- Vehicle owner’s contact database (if synced)
“These vulnerabilities could be chained together to inject malware into the vehicle,” explained Danila Parnishchev, PCAutomotive’s Head of Security Assessment. “Attackers would need Bluetooth access to the media unit to exploit these flaws.”
Scope of the Security Threat
Affected Vehicles:
- Primarily Skoda Superb III models
- Potentially other Volkswagen Group vehicles using MIB3 units
- Estimated 1.4+ million vulnerable vehicles based on sales data
Security Limitations:
- Researchers found no access to safety-critical systems (steering, brakes, accelerator)
- Contact database vulnerability only affects users who enabled phone synchronization
Industry Response and Solutions
Volkswagen Group has addressed the vulnerabilities through its cybersecurity disclosure program. Skoda spokesperson Tom Drechsler stated:
“The reported vulnerabilities have been and are being addressed through continuous improvement management. At no time was there any danger to vehicle or customer safety.”
Protecting Your Vehicle
While manufacturers work on patches, vehicle owners should:
- Disable unnecessary Bluetooth connections
- Avoid syncing sensitive contact data with infotainment systems
- Stay informed about manufacturer updates
- Consider aftermarket components may retain previous owner data
The Bigger Picture of Automotive Cybersecurity
This discovery follows PCAutomotive’s previous findings of nine vulnerabilities in the same model last year, highlighting the growing importance of cybersecurity in modern vehicles as they become increasingly connected.
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