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Security Vulnerability in Subaru’s STARLINK Service Exposed: Unauthorized Vehicle Access and Customer Information Leaked, (from page 20250209.)

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Summary

On November 20, 2024, Shubham Shah and a colleague uncovered a significant security flaw in Subaru’s STARLINK service, allowing unauthorized access to customer accounts and vehicles across the U.S., Canada, and Japan. By simply knowing a victim’s last name and ZIP code, attackers could remotely control vehicles, access detailed location histories, and retrieve sensitive customer information. After discovering the vulnerability, they showcased the ease of access by tracking a family member’s vehicle over the past year and even unlocking a friend’s car without notification. The issue was reported and promptly addressed by Subaru within 24 hours, but it raised concerns about the security of connected vehicle systems and the extensive access employees have to sensitive data.

Signals

name description change 10-year driving-force relevancy
Connected Vehicle Vulnerabilities Discovery of security weaknesses in connected car systems like Subaru’s STARLINK. Shift from secure, isolated vehicle systems to interconnected, vulnerable platforms. Increased regulations and security measures for connected vehicles to protect user data and privacy. Growing reliance on connected technologies in vehicles and rising cyber threats. 5
Employee Access to Sensitive Data Broad employee access to sensitive customer data without adequate security measures. Transition from limited access to wide-ranging access for employees in automotive companies. Potential overhaul of employee access protocols to minimize risks associated with data breaches. Need to balance operational efficiency with data security and privacy concerns. 4
Public Awareness of Vehicle Privacy Rising awareness of the amount of personal data collected by connected vehicles. Shift from ignorance to awareness regarding privacy issues associated with connected cars. Consumers demand greater transparency and control over their personal data collected by vehicles. Increasing public concern about data privacy and digital surveillance. 4
Vulnerability Reporting and Response Rapid reporting and patching of security vulnerabilities by manufacturers. Change from slow response times to quick action in addressing security flaws. Improved incident response protocols and faster security updates for connected vehicles. Growing industry pressure to enhance cybersecurity practices due to potential liabilities. 3

Concerns

name description relevancy
Vehicle Security Vulnerabilities The vulnerability in Subaru’s STARLINK system exposed the potential for unauthorized access to vehicles, endangering user safety and privacy. 5
Personal Data Compromise An attacker could access sensitive personal information, risking identity theft and misuse of data. 5
Inadequate Employee Access Controls Broad access permissions granted to employees increase the risk of internal abuses and unauthorized data access. 4
Lack of User Notifications for Access Changes Absence of user notifications when changes are made to vehicle access can lead to unawareness of unauthorized access. 4
Dependency on Trust in Automated Systems Vehicles rely on trust in employees with access to personal data, raising concerns about potential exploitation. 4
Data Collection Awareness Users may not be aware of extensive data collection practices, leading to privacy concerns. 3
Cybersecurity in Connected Vehicles As vehicles become more connected, cybersecurity measures may not keep pace with emerging threats. 5

Behaviors

name description relevancy
Unauthorized Remote Vehicle Access Attackers can remotely control vehicles using minimal personal information, showcasing vulnerabilities in connected car systems. 5
Data Harvesting from Connected Vehicles Exploitation of vulnerabilities allows retrieval of extensive user data, including location history and personally identifiable information. 5
Weak Security Protocols in IoT Applications The incident highlights inadequate security measures in IoT applications, enabling account takeover and unauthorized access. 5
Exploitation of Employee Access Exploiting employee-facing applications to gain unauthorized access to customer data and vehicle controls. 5
Social Engineering for Information Gathering Utilizing social platforms for reconnaissance to discover employee emails and exploit system vulnerabilities. 4
Insufficient User Notification Mechanisms Users are not informed of unauthorized actions taken on their vehicles, leading to security and privacy concerns. 4
Vulnerability Disclosure and Response Rapid patching of vulnerabilities post-disclosure reflects emerging norms in cybersecurity responsiveness. 4

Technologies

description relevancy src
Technology that enables vehicles to connect to the internet for remote control and data access. 5 6998a653fb45d14ae04ee1a0d45576d6
Systems that monitor vehicle location and performance through sensors and GPS, allowing for remote access. 4 6998a653fb45d14ae04ee1a0d45576d6
Techniques used to exploit vulnerabilities in Internet of Things devices, including connected cars. 4 6998a653fb45d14ae04ee1a0d45576d6
The ability to start, stop, lock, unlock, and track vehicles remotely via internet connectivity. 5 6998a653fb45d14ae04ee1a0d45576d6
Concerns regarding the security and privacy of personal data collected by connected vehicle systems. 5 6998a653fb45d14ae04ee1a0d45576d6
Methods to bypass two-factor authentication in applications, raising security concerns. 3 6998a653fb45d14ae04ee1a0d45576d6

Issues

name description relevancy
Connected Vehicle Security Vulnerabilities Security flaws in connected vehicle systems can allow unauthorized access to user data and vehicle control, posing risks to privacy and safety. 5
Data Privacy in Automotive Services The collection and retention of extensive location and personal data by automotive services raise concerns over user privacy and data protection. 4
Employee Access to Sensitive Information Broad access permissions for employees in automotive companies can lead to potential misuse of sensitive customer data. 5
Trust and Security in Automotive Systems The reliance on trust within automotive systems may create vulnerabilities, emphasizing the need for stronger security protocols. 4
Social Engineering in Cybersecurity Techniques like email enumeration and password resets can exploit system vulnerabilities, highlighting the need for robust authentication measures. 4
Rise of Vehicle Hacking Culture As more vehicles become connected, the culture of vehicle hacking may grow, necessitating better security measures and public awareness. 4