Incident: Tesla Model S and Model X Remote Hacking Vulnerabilities Detected

Published Date: 2016-09-27

Postmortem Analysis
Timeline 1. The software failure incident involving security vulnerabilities in Tesla Model S was reported in September 2016 [47966]. 2. The researchers from Tencent Keen Security Lab managed to hack into a Tesla Model X in July 2017 [61337]. 3. The initial software failure incident involving the Tesla Model S being hacked remotely was reported in September 2016 [47926].
System 1. Tesla Model S and Tesla Model X software systems [47966, 61337] 2. Tesla's firmware signing system [61337] 3. Tesla's CAN BUS system [61337] 4. Tesla's internal network of computers controlling various systems [47926] 5. Tesla's driving systems, including steering, brakes, and windshield wipers [47926] 6. Tesla's head unit computer in the dashboard [47926] 7. Tesla's gateway separating the head unit from the CAN bus [47926]
Responsible Organization 1. Chinese researchers from Tencent's Keen Security Lab [47966, 61337] 2. Keen Lab's researchers [61337] 3. Researchers at the Chinese firm Tencent [47926]
Impacted Organization 1. Tesla Model S and Tesla Model X vehicles were impacted by the software failure incident [47966, 61337]. 2. The CAN BUS system of the Tesla vehicles was accessed by the hackers, affecting the internal network of computers controlling various systems [61337]. 3. The security vulnerabilities discovered by the researchers from Tencent's Keen Security Lab affected the Tesla vehicles' brakes, side mirrors, windshield wipers, trunk, sunroof, lights, and doors [47966, 61337]. 4. The incident highlighted security risks associated with the sophisticated software and online features integrated into modern vehicles [47966, 61337].
Software Causes 1. Security vulnerabilities in the Tesla Model S software that allowed remote control of various systems, including brakes, side mirrors, windshield wipers, trunk, sunroof, lights, and doors [47966]. 2. Zero-day exploits found within multiple Tesla in-car modules that allowed access to the car's CAN BUS system, enabling control of lights, displays, doors, and brakes [61337]. 3. Vulnerabilities in the Tesla S software, including a browser vulnerability and a Linux operating system vulnerability, that allowed hackers to gain full privileges on the car's head unit and rewrite the firmware of driving components [47926].
Non-software Causes 1. Lack of proper security measures in the Tesla vehicles' hardware systems [47966, 61337] 2. Vulnerabilities in the Tesla vehicles' CAN BUS system [61337] 3. Bypassing of Tesla's firmware signing system [61337] 4. Lack of cryptographic key validation for firmware updates in major automotive vendors [47926] 5. Vulnerabilities in the Tesla vehicles' browser and Linux operating system [47926]
Impacts 1. The software failure incident involving security vulnerabilities in Tesla vehicles allowed researchers to remotely take over various systems in the Tesla Model S and Model X, including controlling brakes, side mirrors, windshield wipers, trunk, sunroof, lights, and doors [47966, 61337]. 2. The incident highlighted the security risks associated with the sophisticated software and online features being integrated into vehicles, emphasizing the importance of addressing vulnerabilities promptly [47966, 61337]. 3. Tesla responded to the vulnerabilities by deploying over-the-air software updates to fix the problems within 10 days of being informed about the bugs, reducing the risk to customers [47966]. 4. The incident led Tesla to implement a more fundamental security feature, requiring new firmware written to components on the CAN Bus to be digitally signed with a cryptographic key only Tesla possesses, enhancing the security of its vehicles [47926]. 5. The software failure incident underscored the ongoing challenges in automotive cybersecurity and the importance of continuous efforts to stay ahead of potential threats, with researchers like those from Keen Labs playing a crucial role in identifying and addressing vulnerabilities [61337, 47926].
Preventions 1. Implementing a more fundamental security feature like code signing that requires any new firmware written to components on the CAN Bus to be digitally signed with a cryptographic key only Tesla possesses [47926]. 2. Conducting regular security audits and testing by independent researchers to identify vulnerabilities and exploits [47966, 61337]. 3. Promptly addressing reported vulnerabilities and issuing software patches to fix the identified issues [47966, 61337]. 4. Establishing a bug bounty program to incentivize researchers to report security vulnerabilities and exploits [47966]. 5. Ensuring that software updates are deployed quickly and efficiently to mitigate potential risks [47926].
Fixes 1. Implementing a more fundamental security feature that requires any new firmware written to components on the CAN Bus to be digitally signed with a cryptographic key only Tesla possesses [47926]. 2. Deploying an over-the-air software update to fix the vulnerabilities within 10 days of being informed about the bug [47966]. 3. Offering cash rewards to independent researchers who help uncover problems in the software through a bug bounty program [47966]. 4. Addressing the zero-day exploits found by researchers and promptly issuing software patches to seal up the security holes [61337].
References 1. Chinese researchers from Tencent's Keen Security Lab [47966, 61337] 2. Tesla [47966, 61337, 47926] 3. Charlie Miller and Chris Valasek [47966] 4. JB Straubel, Tesla's chief technical officer [47926] 5. Samuel LV, director of Tencent's KeenLab security team [47926]

Software Taxonomy of Faults

Category Option Rationale
Recurring one_organization, multiple_organization (a) The software failure incident related to hacking into Tesla vehicles has happened again within the same organization. Researchers from Chinese firm Tencent Keen Security Lab managed to hack into a Tesla Model X after previously hacking into a Tesla Model S [61337]. (b) The software failure incident related to hacking into vehicles has also happened at other organizations. In 2014, researchers demonstrated the ability to remotely control a Jeep Cherokee, showing that vulnerabilities existed in vehicles offered by other manufacturers as well [47966].
Phase (Design/Operation) design, operation (a) The software failure incident related to the design phase is evident in the articles. Researchers from Tencent's Keen Security Lab discovered security vulnerabilities in Tesla vehicles, specifically the Model S and Model X, that allowed them to take control of various systems remotely. They were able to manipulate features such as brakes, side mirrors, windshield wipers, trunk, sunroof, lights, and doors [47966, 61337]. These vulnerabilities were a result of design flaws in the software and online features integrated into the vehicles, highlighting the security risks associated with sophisticated software in modern vehicles. (b) The software failure incident related to the operation phase is also apparent in the articles. The vulnerabilities discovered by the researchers could be exploited under specific circumstances, such as when the vehicle's web browser was in use and connected to a malicious WiFi hotspot. This indicates that the operation or misuse of the system, such as connecting to unsecured networks, could lead to potential security breaches [47966]. Tesla addressed the issue by deploying an over-the-air software update to fix the problem and mitigate the risks associated with the vulnerabilities [47966].
Boundary (Internal/External) within_system, outside_system (a) within_system: - The software failure incident involving security vulnerabilities in Tesla vehicles, allowing researchers to take over various systems, was primarily due to vulnerabilities within the Tesla Model S and Model X software [47966, 61337]. - Researchers were able to access the car's CAN BUS system and execute custom commands after bypassing Tesla's firmware signing system [61337]. - Tesla addressed the issue with prompt software patches and implemented a more fundamental security feature, requiring new firmware to be digitally signed with a cryptographic key only Tesla possesses [47926]. - The software update with the code signing feature was pushed out wirelessly to all Tesla S cars and Tesla X SUVs to enhance security [47926]. (b) outside_system: - The software failure incident was also influenced by external factors such as the researchers from Tencent's Keen Security Lab discovering the vulnerabilities in the Tesla vehicles [47966, 61337]. - The researchers reported the vulnerabilities to Tesla, highlighting the security risks of the sophisticated software and online features being built into vehicles [47966]. - The researchers notified Tesla of the exploit, and the automaker sealed up the vulnerabilities as part of its software updates [61337]. - The incident showcased the importance of automotive cybersecurity and the ongoing work needed to stay ahead of potential threats [61337].
Nature (Human/Non-human) non-human_actions, human_actions (a) The software failure incident occurring due to non-human actions: - In the software failure incident involving Tesla vehicles being hacked, the vulnerabilities that allowed researchers to take control of various systems were discovered by Chinese researchers from Tencent's Keen Security Lab [47966, 61337]. - The researchers were able to access the car's CAN BUS system and execute custom commands after bypassing Tesla's firmware signing system [61337]. - Tesla deployed an over-the-air software update to fix the problem within 10 days of being informed about the bug [47966]. - The software update included a measure that required any new firmware written to components on the CAN Bus to be digitally signed with a cryptographic key only Tesla possesses, making it more difficult for hackers to exploit vulnerabilities [47926]. - The code signing feature was pushed out wirelessly in a software update to all Tesla S cars and Tesla X SUVs to enhance the security of the vehicles' internal networks [47926]. (b) The software failure incident occurring due to human actions: - The researchers reported the vulnerabilities to Tesla, and the company confirmed the hack [47966]. - Keen Lab notified Tesla of the exploit found in the Tesla Model X, and the automaker sealed up those holes as part of its 8.1 software update [61337]. - Tesla plans to reward the researchers under its bug bounty program for their findings [47966]. - Tesla's CTO credited Keen Labs' researchers for kickstarting the move to push out the code signing upgrade, indicating the importance of human actions in addressing and fixing the vulnerabilities [47926].
Dimension (Hardware/Software) hardware, software (a) The software failure incident occurring due to hardware: - The software failure incident involving Tesla vehicles being hacked remotely by Chinese researchers was due to security vulnerabilities in the vehicles' software systems that allowed them to take control of various systems, including the brakes, side mirrors, lights, doors, and more [47966, 61337]. - The researchers were able to access the car's CAN BUS system, responsible for ensuring system compatibility, by exploiting zero-day exploits hidden within multiple Tesla in-car modules [61337]. - The hackers bypassed Tesla's firmware signing system and installed new firmware to execute custom commands, such as activating brakes and opening doors at random intervals [61337]. - The Tesla Model S and Model X were vulnerable to these attacks, prompting Tesla to issue software patches to address the security vulnerabilities [47966, 61337]. - Tesla responded by implementing a more fundamental security feature that required any new firmware written to components on the CAN Bus to be digitally signed with a cryptographic key only Tesla possesses, making it more difficult for hackers to exploit hardware vulnerabilities [47926]. (b) The software failure incident occurring due to software: - The software failure incident was primarily due to security vulnerabilities in the software systems of Tesla vehicles, which allowed the researchers to exploit bugs and flaws in the software to gain control over various vehicle functions [47966, 61337]. - The hackers were able to manipulate the software systems of the vehicles to control features like lights, displays, doors, and brakes, highlighting the security risks associated with the sophisticated software and online features integrated into modern vehicles [47966, 61337]. - Tesla responded by deploying over-the-air software updates to fix the vulnerabilities in the software systems of the vehicles [47966]. - The incident showcased the importance of software security in automotive cybersecurity and the ongoing efforts by automakers to enhance software defenses against potential hacks and exploits [47926].
Objective (Malicious/Non-malicious) malicious (a) The software failure incident in the articles is malicious. Chinese researchers from Tencent's Keen Security Lab discovered security vulnerabilities in Tesla Model S and Model X that allowed them to take over various systems of the vehicles remotely, such as brakes, side mirrors, lights, doors, and more [47966, 61337]. The researchers were able to manipulate critical driving functions like activating the brakes, which could cause serious trouble if executed in public without the driver's knowledge [61337]. The vulnerabilities were exploited by the researchers to demonstrate the potential risks associated with the sophisticated software and online features in modern vehicles. The incident involved intentional actions to exploit the vulnerabilities in the Tesla vehicles. (b) The software failure incident in the articles is non-malicious. Tesla responded promptly to the reported vulnerabilities by deploying over-the-air software updates to fix the problems within 10 days of being informed about the bugs [47966]. The company confirmed the hack and stated that the risk to customers was very low, but they still took quick action to address the vulnerabilities. Additionally, Tesla plans to reward the researchers under its bug bounty program, which offers cash rewards to independent researchers who help uncover problems in its software [47966]. The incident highlights the importance of proactive security measures and collaboration with researchers to enhance the security of software systems.
Intent (Poor/Accidental Decisions) poor_decisions (a) The intent of the software failure incident: - Article 47926 discusses how the Tesla Model S was hacked by Chinese researchers by exploiting vulnerabilities in the car's software systems. The hackers were able to remotely activate the vehicle's brakes, demonstrating a significant security risk. Tesla responded by implementing a more fundamental security feature, code signing, to make future hacks more difficult for sophisticated hackers. This incident highlights the security problems that were exposed due to poor decisions in the software design and implementation [47926]. (b) The intent of the software failure incident: - The software failure incident involving the Tesla Model S being hacked by Chinese researchers was not an accidental decision but a deliberate attempt to exploit vulnerabilities in the car's software systems. The hackers intentionally took control of various systems in the vehicle, including the brakes, lights, displays, and doors, showcasing the potential risks associated with such security vulnerabilities. Tesla responded promptly by addressing the issue with a software patch, indicating that the incident was not accidental but a targeted attack [61337].
Capability (Incompetence/Accidental) development_incompetence, unknown (a) The software failure incident related to development incompetence is evident in the articles as Chinese researchers discovered security vulnerabilities in Tesla vehicles, allowing them to take over various systems remotely. The vulnerabilities were found in the Tesla Model S and Model X, and the researchers were able to manipulate features like brakes, side mirrors, lights, doors, and more [47966, 61337]. These vulnerabilities were exploited due to weaknesses in the software developed by Tesla, highlighting the security risks associated with the sophisticated software and online features integrated into the vehicles. (b) The software failure incident related to accidental factors is not explicitly mentioned in the articles.
Duration temporary The software failure incident related to the security vulnerabilities in Tesla vehicles discovered by Chinese researchers was temporary. The vulnerabilities allowed the researchers to take control of various systems in Tesla Model S and Model X, such as brakes, lights, displays, doors, and more [47966, 61337]. Tesla responded promptly to the reported vulnerabilities by deploying over-the-air software updates to fix the problems within 10 days of being informed about the bugs [47966]. Additionally, Tesla implemented a more fundamental security feature, code signing, to make future hacks more difficult for even sophisticated hackers to pull off [47926]. This proactive response and the implementation of security measures indicate that the software failure incident was temporary and addressed through software updates and security enhancements.
Behaviour omission, other (a) crash: The software failure incident described in the articles does not involve a crash where the system loses state and does not perform any of its intended functions. (b) omission: The software failure incident involves the omission of performing intended functions at instances. The researchers were able to take over the Tesla vehicles remotely and manipulate various features such as brakes, side mirrors, windshield wipers, trunk, sunroof, lights, and doors [47966, 61337]. (c) timing: The software failure incident does not involve timing issues where the system performs its intended functions too late or too early. (d) value: The software failure incident does not involve the system performing its intended functions incorrectly. (e) byzantine: The software failure incident does not involve the system behaving erroneously with inconsistent responses and interactions. (f) other: The behavior of the software failure incident is related to security vulnerabilities being exploited by researchers to take control of various systems in Tesla vehicles remotely. The incident highlights the security risks associated with sophisticated software and online features in vehicles, leading to potential unauthorized control over critical functions [47966, 61337, 47926].

IoT System Layer

Layer Option Rationale
Perception actuator, processing_unit, network_communication, embedded_software (a) sensor: The software failure incident related to the Tesla vehicles being hacked remotely did not involve sensor errors. The vulnerabilities discovered by the researchers allowed them to take control of various systems in the Tesla vehicles, such as brakes, lights, displays, doors, and more, without any mention of sensor-related issues [47966, 61337, 47926]. (b) actuator: The failure in this incident was related to the actuator layer of the cyber physical system. The researchers were able to manipulate various actuators in the Tesla vehicles, such as controlling the brakes, side mirrors, windshield wipers, trunk, sunroof, lights, and doors remotely, indicating a failure introduced by actuator errors [47966, 61337, 47926]. (c) processing_unit: The software failure incident did involve the processing unit of the cyber physical system. The researchers were able to access the car's CAN BUS system, install new firmware, and execute custom commands, indicating a failure introduced by processing errors [61337, 47926]. (d) network_communication: The failure in this incident was related to network communication errors. The vulnerabilities allowed the researchers to take control of various systems in the Tesla vehicles remotely, highlighting the security risks associated with the sophisticated software and online features built into the vehicles, particularly when connected to a malicious WiFi hotspot [47966, 61337, 47926]. (e) embedded_software: The software failure incident was related to embedded software errors. The vulnerabilities discovered by the researchers allowed them to manipulate various features of the Tesla vehicles, indicating a failure introduced by errors in the embedded software [47966, 61337, 47926].
Communication connectivity_level [a47926] The software failure incident related to the Tesla vehicles being hacked involved vulnerabilities in the communication layer of the cyber physical system. The hackers were able to access the car's CAN BUS system, which is responsible for ensuring all systems work together. They were able to manipulate various systems in the car, including the lights, displays, doors, and even activate the brakes remotely. The hackers bypassed Tesla's firmware signing system and installed new firmware to execute custom commands, indicating a failure at the connectivity_level. Tesla responded by implementing a more fundamental security feature requiring new firmware to be digitally signed with a cryptographic key only Tesla possesses, enhancing the security at the link_level.
Application TRUE The software failure incidents reported in the provided articles were related to the application layer of the cyber physical system. Researchers from Tencent's Keen Security Lab were able to exploit vulnerabilities in the Tesla Model S and Model X by taking control of various systems such as the brakes, side mirrors, lights, doors, and more through the application layer of the vehicles' software [47966, 61337, 47926]. The vulnerabilities allowed the researchers to remotely manipulate the vehicles' functions, demonstrating the potential risks associated with the sophisticated software and online features integrated into modern vehicles. Tesla responded to these vulnerabilities by deploying over-the-air software updates to address the issues and enhance the security of their vehicles' software systems.

Other Details

Category Option Rationale
Consequence property, non-human, theoretical_consequence (a) death: People lost their lives due to the software failure - No information about any deaths resulting from the software failure incident was mentioned in the articles [47966, 61337, 47926]. (b) harm: People were physically harmed due to the software failure - No information about physical harm to individuals resulting from the software failure incident was provided in the articles [47966, 61337, 47926]. (c) basic: People's access to food or shelter was impacted because of the software failure - No information about people's access to food or shelter being impacted due to the software failure incident was discussed in the articles [47966, 61337, 47926]. (d) property: People's material goods, money, or data was impacted due to the software failure - The software failure incident resulted in vulnerabilities that allowed researchers to take control of various systems in Tesla vehicles, such as brakes, side mirrors, lights, doors, and more [47966, 61337, 47926]. (e) delay: People had to postpone an activity due to the software failure - There was no mention of people having to postpone any activities due to the software failure incident in the articles [47966, 61337, 47926]. (f) non-human: Non-human entities were impacted due to the software failure - The software failure incident impacted Tesla vehicles, specifically the Tesla Model S and Model X, allowing researchers to manipulate various features of the vehicles remotely [47966, 61337, 47926]. (g) no_consequence: There were no real observed consequences of the software failure - The software failure incident did have consequences, as security vulnerabilities were discovered that allowed researchers to take control of Tesla vehicles remotely [47966, 61337, 47926]. (h) theoretical_consequence: There were potential consequences discussed of the software failure that did not occur - The articles discussed potential consequences of the software failure, such as the risk to customers being very low, but Tesla responded quickly to address the vulnerabilities [47966]. Additionally, the articles mentioned that the software update fixed the vulnerabilities before real criminals could exploit them [61337]. (i) other: Was there consequence(s) of the software failure not described in the (a to h) options? What is the other consequence(s)? - No other consequences of the software failure incident were mentioned in the articles [47966, 61337, 47926].
Domain transportation, finance (a) The failed system was related to the transportation industry, specifically affecting Tesla vehicles such as the Model S and Model X. Researchers from Tencent's Keen Security Lab discovered security vulnerabilities in these Tesla models, allowing them to take control of various systems including the brakes, side mirrors, lights, doors, and more remotely [47966, 61337]. (h) The incident also has implications for the finance industry as Tesla has a bug bounty program where they reward independent researchers who help uncover problems in their software. Tesla pays up to $10,000 per bug as part of this program [47966]. (m) The software failure incident is related to the automotive industry, which falls under the broader category of transportation. The vulnerabilities discovered in Tesla vehicles highlight the ongoing challenges in automotive cybersecurity and the need for continuous improvement in securing digital systems within vehicles [47966, 61337, 47926].

Sources

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