Hackers manipulate Tesla’s autopilot and unlock powerful “Elon mode.”

Three security researchers from the Technical University of Berlin have managed to hack Tesla’s autopilot. The IT experts gained access to the board through a so-called hardware hack, reports “Spiegel.de”.

Researchers Christian Werling, Niclas Kühnapfel and Hans-Niklas Jacob expanded the system and manipulated the voltage for the hack. This allowed them to access the secure circuit board of the autopilot system, read out parts of the system and even activate an ‘Elon mode’. This is a secret driving mode called ‘Executive Mode’ in the system. This allows the car to drive completely autonomously without the driver having to regularly keep his hands on the steering wheel.

Hacked with tools for about 600 euros

“We have to capture exactly the right moment,” Niclas Kühnapfel told Spiegel. “Once you know how to do it, it’s pretty easy.” The technical effort required for this hack is relatively low, with tools costing around 600 euros, while the potential value of Tesla’s intellectual property accessible through it is considered significant.

The three scientists were also able to reconstruct how the system works and were even able to recover a previously deleted video of a Tesla driver. They assume that all Tesla vehicles are affected by the discovered vulnerability, as the hacked circuit board is installed in all models supplied by the company.

However, the researchers, who specialize in IT security, emphasize that their goal is not financial. Instead, they looked for previously unknown vulnerabilities to inform companies about them and generally protect users from possible attacks.

Christian Werling was surprised at how easily they could gain access to Tesla’s trade secrets. He had thought the company would better protect this valuable intellectual property. “I would be very surprised if the competition has not already obtained the information from Tesla’s boards in this way,” adds Hans Niklas Jacob.

The researchers have already passed on their findings to Tesla. They explained that the automaker is generally well equipped when it comes to IT security.

The same researchers have hacked Tesla before

The IT experts were able to gain access to Tesla’s infotainment system as early as August. This meant that payment functions for Tesla vehicles could be activated for free or the rear seat heating could be activated.

The good news for all Tesla drivers: the hack of the three PhD students will probably be difficult to reconstruct outside the laboratory. To do this, the attackers would first have to gain physical access to the board, remove it, and then work with the genu

“On Wednesday afternoon they will present their hack to thousands of like-minded hacks and hackers at the 37C3 conference of the Chaos Computer Club starting in Hamburg,” Spiegel.de writes.

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