Scientists crack keyless entry security systems

[rev]

Scientists from Ruhr University Bochum (RUB) in Germany have revealed a major flaw in vehicle keyless entry systems by demonstrating a new device that can ‘learn and record’ radio codes used to lock and unlock car doors. In the same way that a universal remote control can mimic commands from your TV and DVD controller, the new device could enable thieves to access buildings and cars after remote eavesdropping from a distance of up to 100 meters.

The security system scientists cracked is based on KeeLoq RFID technology used in millions of cars around the world. Leading the research is RUB professor Christof Paar, who said “eavesdropping on as little as two messages enables illegitimate parties to duplicate your key and to open your garage or unlock your car.”

What’s worse is that with another malicious attack, a garage door or a car door can be remotely manipulated so that legitimate keys do not work anymore – in effect locking owners out of their own cars.

The KeeLoq system uses a unique radio frequency to send messages from a transponder mounted in a key fob to a receiver, usually embedded in a car door. Both the receiver and transponder use KeeLoq as the encryption method for securing the over-the-air communication. Scientists were able to remotely detect the electric power consumption of the receiver and by applying ‘side-channel analysis’ methods to the power traces were able to extract its unique manufacturer key code.

The official statement from KeeLoq’s developers is that “these theoretical attacks are not unique to the Keeloq system and could be applied to virtually any security system.”


Source: Motor Authority Scientists crack keyless entry security systems

 

[coolraoul]

That is exactly why I have no Keyless Go system in my Golf

I think nowadays, it's car-jacking, thieves don't bother doing this. Everycar can be stealed, some thieves just put it on a trail and go with it...

 

[Centurion]

This is hot on the market. A friend of mine who uhm.......who love bending the law asked me if I can get a hold of the sotware used for hacking keyless cars.

 

[Tarek]

This is hot on the market. A friend of mine who uhm.......who love bending the law asked me if I can get a hold of the sotware used for hacking keyless cars.

Get away from him immediately

 

[Yaz]

Interesting! I've always wondered if they could be cracked, especially when anyone can get their hands on any car key with keyless entry on Ebay.

smart key, Car & Truck Parts & Accessories, Cars & Trucks, All matching items for sale.

 

[GrimReaper]

I don't know but from what I read into this, it seems this thing is about the regular age old electronic button lock than specifically the keyless go (where you don't need to push any buttons on the key).
Though I must say I'm not in the least bit surprised.

 

[JadeVetti]

Very interesting. Especially considering that I am adding this as an option on my next vehicle.

Now, I will have to make-do walking around with a much wider belt, for protection at any theiving moment.

 

[Centurion]

I don't know but from what I read into this, it seems this thing is about the regular age old electronic button lock than specifically the keyless go (where you don't need to push any buttons on the key).
Though I must say I'm not in the least bit surprised.

Nope. This concerns Keyless-go which allow you to drive without taking the key out of your pocket. How people get this done is that they have a laptop with radi transmitter, sit within 20 meters of the car, encrypt the key for entering the car, step inside it, whipe all the codes and can now drive away without any hastle. And before the authorities begin investigating the car is already in Nigeria being driven by corrupt politician.

 

[Beemer B773ER]

This is hot on the market. A friend of mine who uhm.......who love bending the law asked me if I can get a hold of the sotware used for hacking keyless cars.

...and you're bragging about him because....??.....

It's people like your 'friend' who are a menace to society seeking to only cause trouble!

Good work by these scientists, hopefully now the keyless-entry systems in future cars will be a bit more secure so that these idiots we call car-thieves find it harder to break in.

 

[Centurion]

...and you're bragging about him because....??.....

It's people like your 'friend' who are a menace to society seeking to only cause trouble!

Good work by these scientists, hopefully now the keyless-entry systems in future cars will be a bit more secure so that these idiots we call car-thieves find it harder to break in.

I don't think that they will ever be close to bullet proof as a traditional mechanical entry key.

 

[Beemer B773ER]

I don't think that they will ever be close to bullet proof as a traditional mechanical entry key.

Agree on that one.... nothing electronic will ever be bullet-proof secure.

 

[Germaniac]

I don't think that they will ever be close to bullet proof as a traditional mechanical entry key.

Ever heard of the coat hanger behind the doorseal trick? mechanical entry keys are far from secure!

 

[warot]

Ever heard of the coat hanger behind the doorseal trick? mechanical entry keys are far from secure!

exactly... if someone wants your car they are gonna get it

 

[coolraoul]

Mechanical entry key are the worst system for safety. There are at least 3 different ways I heard of to open it without particular tools or time, and that does not include what you can do with an older car.

However with these secure electronic keys, either the thief has a lot of tools and equipment, or he attacks the weakest part of the chain: the driver. And that is not the better way of getting your car stolen.

So this could not bother me less. Anyway if you want the car you put in on a trail and try to open it later.

Nop system is bulllet-proof, but todays car are waay harder to steal with the electronic systems. Therefore the car-jacking.