Welcome to the thrilling world of Pwn2Own 2025, where the rubber hits the road, quite literally, in a high-octane battle of wits between the world’s top security researchers and modern car technology. Tokyo’s upcoming Pwn2Own event promises more excitement, cash, and bragging rights than ever before, as participants try to crack the most cutting-edge automotive systems – from Tesla’s famously over-the-top electric vehicles to the often-overlooked, but equally crucial, in-vehicle infotainment systems (IVI) and electric vehicle chargers. Ready to buckle up and dive into the madness? Let’s take a ride through what’s new and why this contest is shaking up the automotive world in a way that might just make your steering wheel nervous.
Pwn2Own: What’s the Big Deal?
In case you’re unfamiliar, Pwn2Own isn’t your run-of-the-mill hacking contest. Sponsored by the Zero Day Initiative (ZDI) – a heavyweight in vulnerability disclosure – this competition rewards the most talented researchers for breaking into real-world technologies. Unlike other cybersecurity events that might deal with theoretical attacks, Pwn2Own is hands-on. If you manage to pull off a successful hack, you could walk away with a big cash prize, some priceless street cred, and, if you’re particularly good, perhaps even a shiny new Tesla (if you can break into it, that is).
And yes, we mean “walk away” because not all attacks will let you drive the car home. More on that in a bit.
What’s on the Table for 2025?
The Usual Suspects (But with New Twists)
For 2025, Pwn2Own will once again be hosted at Tokyo’s Automotive World conference, from January 22 to 24. That’s three days of elite hacking, where contestants aim to expose vulnerabilities in four main categories:
- Tesla
- In-Vehicle Infotainment (IVI) Systems
- Electric Vehicle Chargers
- Automotive Operating Systems
Each category presents a unique opportunity to earn some serious cash. How serious, you ask? There’s over $1 million in cash and prizes up for grabs. Yeah, that’s a lot of zeroes.
But don’t get too excited just yet. The challenges are designed to be hard. Like, seriously hard. And the rules? Well, they’re enough to make any seasoned hacker sweat (we’ll get into those delightful details later).
Tesla: The Headliner Everyone Wants to Crack
Tesla returns as a top target, and let’s be real, it’s always the show-stealer. This year, participants can target either a Tesla Model 3/Y bench-top unit or its infamous software ecosystem. Tesla has been the crown jewel of Pwn2Own hacking attempts since 2019, and with good reason. It’s electric, it’s flashy, and the bounty is juicy – up to $500,000 in some cases. Tesla has even thrown in its Wall Charger into the mix, just in case breaking into a vehicle wasn’t enough of a challenge.
Here’s where things get spicier: Want to drive away in a brand-new Tesla? Good luck. Not every hack will qualify you to take the car home. Targets marked “Vehicle Included” are your only shot at the wheels. Otherwise, you’ll have to settle for cash and bragging rights, which, admittedly, aren’t a bad consolation prize.
Oh, and don’t forget: you might need to execute your hack inside an RF enclosure to avoid interference. Yeah, the stakes are that high.
In-Vehicle Infotainment (IVI) Systems: More Than Just Tunes
In the In-Vehicle Infotainment category, you get to mess around with things like Alpine, Sony, Pioneer, and Kenwood systems. These gadgets are no longer just glorified radios. They’re essentially the brain behind everything from navigation to in-car internet and Wi-Fi. They’re also the perfect gateway for attackers to leapfrog into the car’s other systems. Yes, that’s right. What started as a way to blast your favorite tunes could end in disaster if someone manages to exploit the CAN bus (the control network of your vehicle).
If that sounds familiar, you might remember a highlight from the inaugural contest where someone managed to load and play Doom on an IVI system. Yep, Doom. Not exactly what Alpine had in mind for their users, I’m guessing.
EV Chargers: Plug-In, Charge, Exploit?
Ever thought your EV charger could be a point of attack? Probably not, but at Pwn2Own, every seemingly mundane piece of tech is fair game. Whether it’s ChargePoint, Tesla’s Wall Connector, or Phoenix Contact’s CHARX SEC-3150, hackers will be poking around to find vulnerabilities in these everyday devices. With the rapid rise of electric cars, it’s no surprise that security issues related to charging infrastructure are gaining attention.
Some of the challenges include performing a Charging Connector Protocol/Signal Manipulation Attack. Essentially, it’s manipulating the protocol to, say, send incorrect signals back to the vehicle. Successfully pulling this off nets an additional $10,000 and extra Master of Pwn points.
Oh, and in case you’re wondering, you won’t be able to Rickroll a charger this year. Sorry, that ship has sailed after last year’s incident.
Operating Systems: The Code Beneath the Hood
If you think your car’s operating system is some obscure piece of code buried deep in the vehicle, think again. Many modern vehicles run Automotive Grade Linux (AGL), BlackBerry’s QNX, or even Android Automotive OS. Pwn2Own’s contestants will be targeting these systems in search of bugs that could let them take control of the vehicle. This isn’t your dad’s old-school car with mechanical buttons and knobs – today’s rides are packed with computer systems more complex than some laptops.
Winners in this category can grab up to $60,000 if they manage to pull off a successful exploit. It’s not the Tesla-sized jackpot, but hey, hacking an OS still makes for a killer resume bullet.
Rules, Rules, and More Rules
If you’re considering entering, be warned: the rules are intense. Contestants must register ahead of time, only target approved devices, and ensure their attacks meet strict technical criteria. For example, all attacks must result in arbitrary code execution – basically, gaining control of the system – and bypass all of the device’s built-in security measures, like Address Space Layout Randomization (ASLR) and Data Execution Prevention (DEP).
If that sounds like a bit too much to handle, well, welcome to Pwn2Own. This isn’t a place for amateur hour. Each contestant gets three attempts to successfully demonstrate their attack within a 10-minute window. And yes, there’s a judge watching every move. No pressure.
Oh, and don’t even think about using publicly known vulnerabilities. The contest is all about finding new zero-days – that is, security flaws that haven’t been patched yet. Bring your A-game or don’t bother showing up at all.
The Road to “Master of Pwn”
For those serious about making a name for themselves, the goal isn’t just to win a few bucks. The ultimate prize is the title of Master of Pwn. To win this coveted honor, you need to rack up the most Master of Pwn points by exploiting the most targets, the fastest. And the title comes with some sweet perks, like 65,000 ZDI reward points (worth an estimated $25,000) and instant Platinum status with ZDI, which sounds fancy because it is.
But beware: missteps cost points. If you bail on a registered attempt, points will be deducted. If you remove a bonus option, points will also be docked. The system is designed to push contestants to the limit, leaving no room for half-hearted attempts.
FAQs
How do I register for Pwn2Own Automotive 2025?
Registration is simple: just contact the event organizer at [email protected]. Make sure to register your entries for specific categories and targets. Keep in mind that registration closes on January 16, 2025, so don’t procrastinate.
Can I compete as part of a team?
Yes, you can register as an individual, a team, or even a company. But remember, each contestant (or team) can only register once per target. So, choose wisely.
What are the prize amounts?
Prizes vary by target, ranging from $20,000 to $500,000. Some successful hacks even qualify for add-on bonuses and, in the case of Tesla, a vehicle prize. But don’t get too excited; only a handful of entries are eligible for driving away with the car.
Conclusion: Ready to Take the Wheel?
As Pwn2Own 2025 fast approaches, one thing is certain: the future of automotive security is in for a wild ride. Whether you’re a hacker looking to prove yourself or just an enthusiast curious to see what’s under the hood (literally), this contest is where bleeding-edge technology meets the sharpest minds in cybersecurity.
Think you’ve got what it takes to bring down a Tesla? Or perhaps you’d like to make an EV charger beg for mercy? Either way, Tokyo is calling, and the stakes have never been higher. Don’t miss the chance to witness – or even take part in – this high-octane showdown.
