Tesla Model 3 Exposed to Remote Hacking via Tire Sensor Vulnerability, Researchers Warn
A newly discovered software flaw in Tesla Model 3’s security system has revealed an unexpected and serious entry point for remote attackers: the tire sensors.
Cybersecurity firm Synacktiv disclosed the issue, tracked as CVE-2025-2082, after uncovering the flaw during the Pwn2Own 2024 competition. The vulnerability affects Tesla Model 3 vehicles running firmware prior to version 2024.14, placing thousands of cars at risk if left unpatched.
What Happened?
The issue lies within Tesla’s Vehicle Controller Security (VCSEC) module, which plays a crucial role in managing systems like the immobilizer and tire pressure monitoring. According to Synacktiv’s team—Thomas Imbert, Vincent Dehors, and David Berard—an integer overflow in the module’s processing of certificate data from the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) creates an opening for exploitation.
Using spoofed TPMS messages, an attacker within wireless proximity can corrupt memory in the VCSEC module. This effectively bypasses built-in security protocols and opens access to the vehicle’s Controller Area Network (CAN) bus, enabling commands such as unlocking the car or disabling anti-theft features.
- CVSS Severity: 7.5 (High)
- Attack Surface: Wireless (BLE/UWB), no prior authentication needed
- Impact: Arbitrary code execution, CAN bus access, loss of immobilizer integrity
Technical Details
The vulnerability leverages malformed certificate responses over Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and Ultra-Wideband (UWB) channels to gain execution control. By chaining this exploit, researchers demonstrated real-world impact using what would typically be a benign sensor—a stark illustration of how overlooked vehicle components can serve as attack vectors.
Response Timeline
- March 2024: Synacktiv responsibly notifies Tesla.
- April 30, 2025: Public disclosure following Tesla’s patch release.
- Firmware Update 2024.14: Fixes the integer overflow and hardens certificate parsing.
Tesla quickly responded with an over-the-air (OTA) update that adjusts certificate validation logic, effectively closing the exploit path.
Bigger Picture: Vehicle Cybersecurity Under Scrutiny
This incident underscores a key concern in modern automotive security: non-safety systems can create backdoors to safety-critical components. As cars increasingly function like rolling computers, security must be built from the ground up—including in subsystems that weren’t traditionally considered high-risk.
Key Lessons:
- Sensors like TPMS require strict input validation.
- Wireless protocols must enforce strong encryption and data integrity.
- Car manufacturers need ongoing vulnerability assessments across all system layers.
With other recent automotive exploits targeting infotainment, keyless systems, and even autonomous features, the pressure on manufacturers to adopt security-by-design practices is growing.
For Tesla owners, the takeaway is clear: keep your vehicle updated via OTA patches and avoid unverified third-party hardware that could increase your risk exposure.
