Hundreds of new vulnerabilities found in cars

Modern cars equipped with advanced infotainment systems pose security risks, as highlighted by researchers from the University of Gothenburg and Chalmers University of Technology. An analysis of 413 reported automotive software vulnerabilities revealed that the greatest weaknesses lie not in the vehicle's built-in electronics but in the external digital ecosystem. External applications accounted for 36.2% of vulnerabilities. Weak protection of cloud services can open doors for attackers, potentially compromising critical vehicle components. The study identified 827 vulnerable libraries across twenty automotive projects, emphasizing that a single flawed software component can affect thousands of vehicles. While manufacturers bear the primary responsibility, vehicle owners can enhance security by regularly updating software, using strong passwords, and monitoring app permissions.