According to Ford Motor’s announcement, they found that some Sync3 car units of 2021 to 2022 models have a Wi-Fi vulnerability, which may be exploited by hackers to invade and erase system data in the car. This vulnerability originates from the memory buffer overflow vulnerability of the WL18xx MCP driver used in Ford vehicles, and its vulnerability number is CVE-2023-29468.
The discovery has raised concerns about vehicle cybersecurity. With the popularization and development of vehicle Internet technology, the network system of vehicles is becoming more and more complex, but with it, the network security risks are becoming more and more serious. By hacking into a vehicle's Wi-Fi remotely, hackers can easily take control of a range of vehicle functions, from the vehicle's entertainment equipment to the driver control system.
This could pose a significant threat to the vehicle's safety and driving experience. However, Ford said they are aware of the vulnerability and are actively taking steps to fix the issue. They promise to release an updated software patch as soon as possible to address this security vulnerability, and strongly recommend that all affected car owners update the firmware of their Sync3 cars in time.
At the same time, Ford also called on car owners to take some precautions to improve vehicle network security. This includes making sure the vehicle's Wi-Fi password settings are strong, and trying to avoid connecting to untrusted public Wi-Fi networks. In addition, Ford recommends that owners regularly check and update their vehicle's software and systems to ensure they always have the latest safety features and fixes. The exposure of this vulnerability has once again reminded automakers and consumers of the importance of vehicle cybersecurity.
As vehicles increasingly rely on the Internet and smart technology, we need to work together to protect vehicle systems from hackers and keep drivers and passengers safe. Automakers should strengthen security testing and vulnerability repair mechanisms, and car owners should also pay close attention to vehicle security updates and take timely and corresponding measures to enhance vehicle network security.