Smart Bus System Flaw Allows Hackers to Remotely Track and Control Vehicles

A critical security vulnerability in smart bus systems has been discovered that enables hackers to remotely track vehicle locations and potentially take control of essential functions, according to new research presented at DEF CON 33.

The findings expose significant risks to public transportation infrastructure and passenger safety worldwide.

Security researcher Chiao-Lin Yu demonstrated how widespread vulnerabilities in modem-based communication systems used by smart buses create what he termed “gateways to chaos.”

The research, titled “How We Proved Modems Are a Ticking Time Bomb That Hackers Can Access Everywhere,” reveals that attackers can exploit these flaws to gain unauthorized access to bus fleet management systems.

The vulnerabilities stem from inadequately secured cellular modems that connect buses to central dispatch systems.

These modems, designed to enable real-time tracking and remote diagnostics, contain multiple security weaknesses that allow cybercriminals to intercept communications and inject malicious commands.

Once compromised, attackers can monitor bus routes ...