# Car Hacking Resources: From Origins to Today A historical and up-to-date guide to the world of automotive security and car hacking covering foundational breakthroughs, major attacks, community growth, tools, and essential resources. --- ## Table of Contents - [Early Days: 1990s–2000s](#early-days-1990s2000s) - [2010–2014: Proof-of-Concepts and Recognition](#20102014-proof-of-concepts-and-recognition) - [2015–2018: Mainstream Awareness and Escalation](#20152018-mainstream-awareness-and-escalation) - [International Automotive Cybersecurity Standards — Regional Table](#international-automotive-cybersecurity-standards-regional-table) - [2019–2021: Community, Tools, and Remote Exploits](#20192021-community-tools-and-remote-exploits) - [2022–2025: Modern Era and Emerging Frontiers](#20222025-modern-era-and-emerging-frontiers) - [Essential Learning & Research Resources](#essential-learning--research-resources) - [Getting Started with Car Hacking (Today)](#getting-started-with-car-hacking-today) - [Summary Timeline of Milestones](#summary-timeline-of-milestones) - [Curated Modern Automotive Security List (2025)](#curated-modern-automotive-security-list-2025) --- ## Early Days: 1990s–2000s - **First Hacking Points:** OBD (On-Board Diagnostics) port introduction enabled access to engine management with custom hardware and proprietary protocols. - **Key Focus:** Wired access to in-vehicle networks, mainly CAN (Controller Area Network, [CAN Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CAN_bus), standardized 1991). - **Barriers:** Highly proprietary, isolated systems; vehicle-specific strategies required. --- ## 2010–2014: Proof-of-Concepts and Recognition - Researchers began hacking ECUs through direct access, quickly moving to remote attacks via Bluetooth, CD, cellular, and more. - Notable exploits included 2011 Chevy Malibu remote hacks ([Wired Article](https://www.wired.com/2011/03/hackers-car/)) and proof that almost any connected vehicle could be at risk. - **Open-source tools and low-cost OBD-II USB adapters** made experimentation accessible. --- ## 2015–2018: Mainstream Awareness and Escalation - **Landmark Hacks:** - 2013: [Miller and Valasek](https://illmatics.com/carhacking.html) controlled Ford Escape and Toyota Prius (acceleration, steering, GPS spoofing). - 2015: [Jeep Cherokee/UConnect hack](https://www.wired.com/2015/07/hackers-remotely-kill-jeep-highway/) allowed full remote takeover - leading to million-vehicle recall. - Tesla ([2016 hack](https://www.wired.com/2016/09/tesla-hack-can-remote-control-brakes-and-more/)), BMW ([ConnectedDrive hack](https://www.wired.com/2015/01/hackers-remotely-unlock-dozens-bmw-models/)), and Nissan ([Nissan Leaf hack](https://www.troyhunt.com/controlling-vehicle-features-of-nissan/)) also targeted through remote and telematics attacks. - **Ecosystem Milestones:** - [Instrument Cluster Simulator (ICSim)](https://github.com/zombieCraig/ICSim) released. - [DEF CON Car Hacking Village](https://www.carhackingvillage.com/) - a global hub for car security research. --- ## 2019–2021: Community, Tools, and Remote Exploits - **Events:** [Car Hacking Village (DEF CON)](https://www.carhackingvillage.com/) and [Car Hacking Village @ DefCamp](https://def.camp/car-hacking-village/) expand globally. - [Open Garages](https://github.com/openGarages) and online forums centralize tutorials, datasets, and collaborative research. - Tools like [can-utils](https://github.com/linux-can/can-utils), [python-can](https://pypi.org/project/python-can/), and [Scapy/CAN](https://dissec.to/kb/chapters/can/can-scapy.html) widely adopted in both hobbyist and professional domains. - Complexity increases - modern vehicles become software-centric and remotely exploitable. --- ## 2022–2025: Modern Era and Emerging Frontiers - **API & Backend Attacks:** - Mass remote exploitation of telematics APIs by researchers - impacting brands like Acura, Kia ([Kia API bug](https://samcurry.net/hacking-kia)), BMW, Tesla ([Tesla charger exploit](https://www.synacktiv.com/en/publications/exploiting-the-tesla-wall-connector-from-its-charge-port-connector)), Nissan ([Nissan Leaf hack](https://www.troyhunt.com/controlling-vehicle-features-of-nissan/)), and Škoda ([Škoda Mobile App bug](https://blog.vensis.pl/2019/11/vw-hacking/)). - **Hardware & Software Expansion:** Advanced interfaces and attack tools: [Nano-CAN](https://github.com/mintynet/nano-can), [CANtact](http://linklayer.github.io/cantact/), [CANPico](https://canislabs.com/canpico/), [M2 by Macchina](https://www.macchina.cc/), [ELM327](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07SK6MJT1/). - **Active Communities:** [DEF CON Car Hacking Village](https://www.carhackingvillage.com/), [ASRG](https://asrg.io/), [Car Hacking Village (Europe, DefCamp)](https://def.camp/car-hacking-village/), [Open Garages](https://github.com/openGarages). - **Ongoing Publications:** [The Car Hacker’s Handbook](https://nostarch.com/carhacking), academic surveys ([ScienceDirect](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0167404825001415), [MDPI Sensors](https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8220/24/18/6139)), live vulnerability tracking ([VicOne zero-days](https://vicone.com/automotive-zero-day-vulnerabilities)). --- ## International Automotive Cybersecurity Standards - Regional Table | Country/Region | Key Standards / Regulations | Regulatory Bodies / Notes | |------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | **Global** | [ISO/SAE 21434](https://www.iso.org/standard/70918.html) (Cybersecurity Engineering), [UNECE WP.29 R155/R156](https://unece.org/transport/vehicle-regulations/notifications-un-regulations/r155) | ISO, SAE, UNECE. Adopted by most OEMs worldwide. | | **United States**| [SAE J3061](https://www.sae.org/standards/content/j3061_201601/), [NHTSA Cybersecurity Best Practices](https://www.nhtsa.gov/technology-innovation/vehicle-cybersecurity), [Auto-ISAC Best Practices](https://www.automotiveisac.com/best-practices/), [NIST 800 Series](https://csrc.nist.gov/publications/sp800) | NHTSA, SAE, Auto-ISAC, NIST. J3061 is a precursor to ISO/SAE 21434. | | **EU** | [UNECE WP.29 R155/R156](https://unece.org/transport/vehicle-regulations/notifications-un-regulations/r155), [GDPR](https://gdpr.eu/), [ENISA Guidance](https://www.enisa.europa.eu/publications/cybersecurity-challenges-in-the-updated-automotive-homologation-regulation) | UNECE, European Commission, ENISA. GDPR covers data privacy. | | **Japan** | [UNECE WP.29 R155/R156](https://unece.org/transport/vehicle-regulations/notifications-un-regulations/r155), [JASO TP18004](https://www.jsa.or.jp/en/standardization/standards/list/?std_no=JASO%20TP18004) | JAMA, JASO, MLIT. JASO guidance tailors standards to domestic industry. | | **China** | [GB/T 38629-2020](https://openstd.samr.gov.cn/bzgk/gb/newGbInfo?hcno=1A37265F240A5EBE736D5A1516E27A93), [GB/T 37292-2018](https://openstd.samr.gov.cn/bzgk/gb/newGbInfo?hcno=EEF574A39601C6B8F58DAE26DA55F4DC), MIIT, [CCC Cybersecurity](http://www.miit.gov.cn) | MIIT, CCC. GB/T standards required for type approvals. | | **South Korea** | [UNECE WP.29](https://unece.org/transport/vehicle-regulations/notifications-un-regulations/r155), KATRI Guidance | KATRI, MOLIT. National docs supplement UNECE. | | **UK** | [UNECE WP.29](https://unece.org/transport/vehicle-regulations/notifications-un-regulations/r155), [DCMS Code of Practice](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/code-of-practice-for-consumer-iot-security), [NCSC Guidance](https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/collection/connected-places-guidance) | DVSA, DCMS, NCSC. Dedicated automotive/IoT code post-Brexit. | | **Australia** | [UNECE WP.29](https://unece.org/transport/vehicle-regulations/notifications-un-regulations/r155), [ACSC Guidance](https://www.cyber.gov.au/acsc/view-all-content/publications/securing-connected-vehicles) | Dept. of Infrastructure, ACSC. National supplements for cyber and connected fleets. | | **Germany** | [IT Security Catalogue (BNetzA)](https://www.bundesnetzagentur.de/EN/Areas/Energy/Companies/Security_of_supply/IT_Security_Catalogue/IT_Security_Catalogue_node.html), [UNECE WP.29](https://unece.org/transport/vehicle-regulations/notifications-un-regulations/r155) | BNetzA. Applies IT/OT security standards to automotive and infrastructure sectors. | | **Switzerland** | [Basel/FINMA Cyber Guidance](https://www.finma.ch/en/documentation/finma-guidance/) | Basel Committee, FINMA. Emphasis on supply chain and digital vehicle resilience. | ## Essential Learning & Research Resources | Resource/Community | Type | Description/Notes | |-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------|------------------------------------------------| | [The Car Hacker’s Handbook (Craig Smith)](https://nostarch.com/carhacking) | Book | Comprehensive guide to car security | | [Hacking Connected Cars](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1119491761/) | Book | Techniques and procedures book | | [ICSim](https://github.com/zombieCraig/ICSim) | Toolkit/Software | CAN cluster simulation | | [can-utils](https://github.com/linux-can/can-utils) | Toolkit/Software | CAN bus open-source tools | | [python-can](https://pypi.org/project/python-can/) | Toolkit/Software | Python CAN bus library | | [Scapy/CAN Layer](https://dissec.to/kb/chapters/can/can-scapy.html) | Toolkit/Software | CAN protocol analysis | | [DEF CON Car Hacking Village](https://www.carhackingvillage.com/) | Community/Event | Global in-person and virtual hands-on events | | [Car Hacking Village @ DefCamp](https://def.camp/car-hacking-village/) | Community/Event | European CTF/hack venue | | [ASRG](https://asrg.io/) | Community | Auto Security Research Group: global research | | [Open Garages](https://github.com/openGarages) | Forum/Repo | Tutorials, datasets, simulation kits | | [Upstream Security Reports](https://upstream.auto/reports/global-automotive-cybersecurity-report/) | Research/Survey | Trends, vulnerabilities, industry survey | | [The Hacker News: API survey](https://thehackernews.com/2023/01/millions-of-vehicles-at-risk-api.html) | News/Research | Mass API attack reports | | [arXiv: UWBAD paper](https://arxiv.org/abs/2407.00682) | Research | Ultra-Wideband relay attack research | | [arXiv: SAE J1939 attacks](https://arxiv.org/abs/2406.00810) | Research | Heavy-duty transport attacks | | [ScienceDirect: HD vehicle review](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0167404825001415) | Research | Heavy vehicle vulnerabilities | | [MDPI Sensors: SDV security](https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8220/24/18/6139) | Research/Survey | Survey on frameworks/attacks | | [VicOne Zero-Day Database](https://vicone.com/automotive-zero-day-vulnerabilities) | Vulnerability DB | Live CVE, 0-day tracking | --- ## Getting Started with Car Hacking (Today) - **Read:** [The Car Hacker’s Handbook](https://nostarch.com/carhacking) - **Practice:** Use [ICSim](https://github.com/zombieCraig/ICSim), [ELM327](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07SK6MJT1/), [CANtact](http://linklayer.github.io/cantact/) on test benches. - **Engage:** [ASRG](https://asrg.io/), [Open Garages](https://github.com/openGarages), [DEF CON Car Hacking Village](https://www.carhackingvillage.com/) - **Stay Current:** [Upstream Reports](https://upstream.auto/reports/global-automotive-cybersecurity-report/), [arXiv search: automotive security](https://arxiv.org/search/cs?searchtype=author&query=automotive+security), [HackerNews](https://thehackernews.com/search?q=automotive) --- ## Summary Timeline of Milestones - **1990s–2000s:** OBD/CAN bus hacking ([CAN bus](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CAN_bus)) - **2010–2014:** [Chevy Malibu hack (Wired)](https://www.wired.com/2011/03/hackers-car/), [CAN-utils](https://github.com/linux-can/can-utils), [ELM327](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07SK6MJT1/) - **2015:** [Jeep UConnect hack](https://www.wired.com/2015/07/hackers-remotely-kill-jeep-highway/), [DEF CON Car Hacking Village](https://www.carhackingvillage.com/) - **2016–2018:** [BMW](https://www.wired.com/2015/01/hackers-remotely-unlock-dozens-bmw-models/), [Tesla](https://www.wired.com/2016/09/tesla-hack-can-remote-control-brakes-and-more/), [ICSim](https://github.com/zombieCraig/ICSim) - **2019–2025:** [API hacks survey](https://thehackernews.com/2023/01/millions-of-vehicles-at-risk-api.html), [Upstream Report](https://upstream.auto/reports/global-automotive-cybersecurity-report/), [VicOne 0-days](https://vicone.com/automotive-zero-day-vulnerabilities) --- ## Curated Modern Automotive Security List (2025) ### Approach & Methodology - In-Vehicle Network, Hardware Hacking, Firmware, Wireless, Mobile App, Cloud/Telemetry, AI-based Security, Supply Chain, Mobility. ### Communities & Events - [ASRG](https://asrg.io/) - [Auto-ISAC](https://automotiveisac.com/) - [Car Hacking Village – DEF CON](https://www.carhackingvillage.com/) - [Pwn2Own Automotive](https://www.automotiveworld.jp/tokyo/en-gb/conference/pwn2own.html) - [Automotive Cybersecurity Detroit 2025](https://www.automotive-iq.com/events-automotive-cybersecurity/agenda-mc) - [Auto-ISAC Europe Summit 2025](https://automotiveisac.com/2025-europe-summit) - [escar Europe 2025](https://easychair.org/cfp/escarEurope2025) ### Educational Resources - [Car Hacker’s Handbook](https://nostarch.com/carhacking) - [Hacking Connected Cars](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1119491761/) - [ASRG YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@automotivesecurityresearch1613) - [Car Hacking Village YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@carhackingvillage) - [CANisLabs Blog](https://kentindell.github.io/) - [CANBusHack Blog](https://canbushack.com/blog/) ### Tools & Platforms #### Hardware - [Nano-CAN](https://github.com/mintynet/nano-can) - [USBtin](http://www.fischl.de/usbtin/) - [USB2CAN](http://www.8devices.com/products/usb2can/) - [CANPico](https://canislabs.com/canpico/) - [OBD-KILL](https://store.intrepidcs.com/product/chv-badge-30) - [ELM327](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07SK6MJT1/) - [CANtact](http://linklayer.github.io/cantact/) - [Macchina M2](https://www.macchina.cc/) #### Software - [can-utils](https://github.com/linux-can/can-utils) - [ICSim](https://github.com/zombieCraig/ICSim/) - [UDSim](https://github.com/zombieCraig/UDSim/) - [CANalyse 2.0](https://github.com/canalyse/CANalyse-2.0) - [CANToolz](https://github.com/eik00d/CANToolz) - [CANalyzat0r](https://github.com/schutzwerk/CANalyzat0r) #### Libraries - [python-can](https://pypi.org/project/python-can/) - [Scap CAN Layer](https://dissec.to/kb/chapters/can/can-scapy.html) #### Lists & Platforms - [Awesome Vehicle Security](https://github.com/jaredthecoder/awesome-vehicle-security) - [wtsxDev/Vehicle-Security](https://github.com/wtsxDev/Vehicle-Security) - [Carpunk](https://github.com/souravbaghz/Carpunk) - [pq-flasher](https://github.com/I-CAN-hack/pq-flasher) - [FOSSA for Automotive](https://fossa.com/industries/manufacturing-autos/) - [GitGuardian for Automotive](https://www.gitguardian.com/industries/automotive) ### Research, Papers & Vulnerabilities - [UWBAD – Ultra-Wideband Keyless Entry Jamming (arXiv)](https://arxiv.org/abs/2407.00682) - [SAE J1939 Attacks (arXiv)](https://arxiv.org/abs/2406.00810) - [ScienceDirect: Heavy-Duty Vehicle Security Review](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0167404825001415) - [MDPI Sensors: Survey on SDV Security](https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8220/24/18/6139) - [VicOne Automotive Zero-Day Vulnerabilities](https://vicone.com/automotive-zero-day-vulnerabilities) - [The Hacker News – API Vulnerability Survey](https://thehackernews.com/2023/01/millions-of-vehicles-at-risk-api.html) - [Upstream: 2025 Global Automotive Cybersecurity Report](https://upstream.auto/reports/global-automotive-cybersecurity-report/) --- **Reference Resource Links:** - [UNECE WP.29 Regulation Summary](https://unece.org/transport/vehicle-regulations/notifications-un-regulations/r155) - [ISO/SAE 21434 Standard Overview](https://www.iso.org/standard/70918.html) - [Auto-ISAC Best Practices](https://www.automotiveisac.com/best-practices/) - [ENISA Automotive Cybersecurity](https://www.enisa.europa.eu/publications/cybersecurity-challenges-in-the-updated-automotive-homologation-regulation) - [China MIIT](http://www.miit.gov.cn) - [DCMS Consumer IoT Code of Practice](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/code-of-practice-for-consumer-iot-security) - [Australian Cyber Security Centre Automotive Guidance](https://www.cyber.gov.au/acsc/view-all-content/publications/securing-connected-vehicles) - [BNetzA IT Security Catalogue](https://www.bundesnetzagentur.de/EN/Areas/Energy/Companies/Security_of_supply/IT_Security_Catalogue/IT_Security_Catalogue_node.html) ### New & Emerging Threats - AI Security & Prompt Injection - Automotive Software Supply Chain Security - Connected Mobility & Telematics API Security - EV Charging Infrastructure Vulnerabilities - Ransomware & Data Breach Response ### Recommendations - Monitor live vulnerability and supply chain intelligence portals (e.g., [VicOne](https://vicone.com/automotive-zero-day-vulnerabilities), [FOSSA](https://fossa.com/industries/manufacturing-autos/), [GitGuardian](https://www.gitguardian.com/industries/automotive)). - Engage at [DEF CON Car Hacking Village](https://www.carhackingvillage.com/), [Auto-ISAC Summits](https://automotiveisac.com/), and [Pwn2Own Automotive](https://www.automotiveworld.jp/tokyo/en-gb/conference/pwn2own.html). - Follow and contribute to open-source and research repositories. - Stay updated with [Upstream Reports](https://upstream.auto/reports/global-automotive-cybersecurity-report/), and adapt to regulatory and threat intelligence changes. --- *This guide covers car hacking’s journey from early OBD/CAN explorations to today’s cloud, API, and AI security challenges - linking you directly to key reference points and resources at each stage.*