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How does a hacker crack a car alarm system?
If the previous hacker's attempt to remotely access a vehicle hasn't made you realize the importance of car security, then the following information might make you understand that even cars not connected to the internet are not entirely safe.
A recent incident on the "Biantian" vulnerability platform revealed that hacker teams have exposed the anti-theft systems of brands like Volvo, BYD, and Buick. These systems are designed with only a few tens of dollars in cost, allowing basic functions such as locking and unlocking doors and trunks. Importantly, this doesn’t require the car to be online—only that the door can be controlled remotely via the key fob, which introduces a potential risk.
But how can a hacker crack an anti-theft system if the car isn’t connected to the Internet? Is it something like the so-called “car lock interference†we often hear about? Well, it’s not quite that simple.
An 18-year-old hacker from the "Ghost Lab" team, part of the "Mythical Team," was recently discovered. During a sharing session, he explained the entire process of cracking the system. Due to the sensitivity of the security vulnerabilities, the core details remain confidential.
The real issue lies in what is called the “synchronization value.†Although the exact vulnerabilities aren’t disclosed, the overall method is relatively straightforward (though somewhat technical): hackers can monitor the wireless signal from a car key and then replay it using a specific mechanism, effectively replicating the key’s function indefinitely.
This is possible because many vehicles use HCS rolling code chips and Keeloq algorithms. These are encryption technologies developed by a U.S. company in the 1980s, known for their high security and commonly used in car anti-theft systems and access control devices. They’re widely used in keyless entry systems.
To simplify, HCS rolling code chips and Keeloq algorithms are hardware and software solutions used in remote keys for cars and access systems. If they are compromised, it can lead to large-scale security issues.
When the owner presses the lock or start button, a new signal is generated. The car then checks the signal and determines whether to unlock the door. Each command contains a unique identification code and a synchronization value that changes with each operation. After each use, both the key and the car update the synchronization value.
For example, if the key sends a signal with a synchronization value of “11,†but the car has stored “10,†the system checks if the difference is within an acceptable range to prevent accidental commands. However, there is a flaw in the algorithm that allows hackers to exploit this gap.
Once a hacker captures two consecutive synchronization values, they can simulate the key’s function without restriction. This means the car can be hacked easily under the right conditions.
Is this dangerous? At the demonstration, an interesting “accident†occurred. Due to external interference, multiple attempts to send commands failed until it was discovered that the projector’s remote signal was disrupting the device. This showed that the cracking equipment is sensitive to environmental factors and requires ideal conditions to work properly.
Moreover, since the hacker couldn’t extract the unique identification code of each car and key, the current attack is limited to specific vehicles, not mass attacks on the same model.
Wang Yingjian, head of the “Mythical Action†team, has already identified this vulnerability in some models, including the 2008 Volvo XC90, BYD F0, and Buick Regal. However, the total number of affected vehicles is still unknown. Since it’s a hardware and software issue, owners must return to the factory or a 4S shop to replace or upgrade the anti-theft system. Some models using these chips are now outdated and difficult to maintain.
Compared to traditional “car lock interference†methods, this technique gives hackers more control. Users may not even realize they’ve been targeted, even if they believe they’ve locked their car properly.
If a hacker gains access without the owner knowing, the consequences could be severe—privacy breaches, property loss, or even vehicle theft. In addition, hackers could lock the car, making it hard for the owner to detect any intrusion.