A security researcher discovered a critical flaw in TeslaLogger, a third-party application used to gather data from Tesla vehicles. This vulnerability, while not affecting Tesla’s own systems, posed significant risks as it could have allowed unauthorized parties to gain access to and control over TeslaLogger instances. The issue revolves around insecure default settings in the software, making it a potential target for cyber-attacks.
In earlier instances, several vulnerabilities in third-party applications handling Tesla data have surfaced. These flaws often stem from inadequate security measures or oversight, similar to those found in TeslaLogger. Previous research revealed that many of these applications used default credentials or stored sensitive information in plain text, thus providing easy access for hackers. Comparatively, past efforts to address these issues led to mixed outcomes, depending largely on how quickly and comprehensively developers responded to reported vulnerabilities.
Recently, another instance showed that Tesla API tokens, stored insecurely by some third-party logging tools, could be exploited to gain unauthorized control over Tesla cars. This indicates a recurring pattern of vulnerabilities tied to Tesla API integrations. While some fixes have been implemented, ongoing vigilance and updates are crucial to ensure the safety of such integrations.
Vulnerability Details
The researcher initiated the investigation by installing TeslaLogger on a laptop using Docker. Utilizing nmap, they identified running services, particularly the MariaDB database (port 3306), the Graphana visualization tool (port 3000), and an admin panel (port 8888). Intrigued by the database and visualization tool, they successfully connected using default credentials found in the repository.
Security Implications
The researcher executed an SQL query to fetch all data from the ‘cars’ table, which included access tokens for Tesla cars. These tokens, if compromised, could permit full remote control over a vehicle, such as unlocking doors or adjusting climate settings. Although Tesla’s API uses Role-Based Access Control (RBAC), excessive permissions requested by some logger applications can be exploited.
Steps Taken to Mitigate Risk
– Encrypt API credentials within the database.
– Implement authentication for the admin panel.
– Avoid using default credentials in any instances.
– Report vulnerabilities promptly to maintainers.
– Regularly update and patch software to fix security loopholes.
While the database exposure was a key issue, alternative methods for obtaining API keys also present a risk, such as vulnerabilities in Tesla logger implementations on Raspberry Pi devices. These exposed keys could be used maliciously if not properly secured.
Maintainers responded swiftly to these findings by encrypting the API credentials and adding authentication to the admin panel. This proactive approach helps to mitigate the risks associated with the identified vulnerability. However, the researcher chose not to report the issue directly to Tesla due to an earlier unhelpful response from the company regarding similar third-party software issues.
TeslaLogger’s vulnerability illustrates the broader challenge of securing third-party applications interfacing with critical APIs. Developers must prioritize secure configurations and regular updates to shield users from potential exploits. By taking comprehensive measures and maintaining open communication channels with security researchers, the integrity of such integrations can be significantly improved.
