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Hackers Unleash Chaotic Reign of Code, Earning Over $1 Million at Pwn2Own Automotive

Ismail R.
2 min readJan 30, 2024

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In a stunning display of hacking prowess, a group of cybersecurity experts and bug bounty hunters raked in a whopping $1.3 million for exposing vulnerabilities in Teslas, EV chargers, and infotainment systems at the inaugural Pwn2Own Automotive competition. Their exploits, ranging from remote code execution to charging disruption, highlight the growing cybersecurity threats lurking within the connected car ecosystem.

Masterminds of Mayhem

Topping the hacking charts was the Synacktiv team, who emerged victorious with a total haul of $450,000. Their most impressive feat involved hacking both a Tesla’s modem and infotainment system, earning them a staggering $200,000 in bounties.

A Spectacle of Vulnerabilities

The competition’s first day witnessed a flurry of exploit demonstrations, with over $700,000 in rewards bestowed. EV chargers were a prime target, with hackers bagging $60,000 bounties for successful hacks. Tesla’s modem also fell victim to a skilled exploiter, adding to the day’s tally.

Second Day Surprises

The second day brought about a new twist, as the Tesla infotainment system was successfully exploited, earning the team behind the feat a $35,000 bounty. Automotive…

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Ismail R.
Ismail R.

Written by Ismail R.

Early passion for computers led to a professional focus on aligning business with IT. Balancing academic and practical experience, especially in cybersecurity.

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