At the Pwn2Own hackathon, a group of good hackers, also known as ethical hackers, found weaknesses in software from big companies like Tesla, Google, Apple, Microsoft, and Adobe. They were rewarded with over $730,000 for their discoveries.
One team, called Synacktiv, managed to find a way into Tesla's software that controls the car's systems. They used a hacking technique that earned them $200,000 and a new Tesla Model 3. This isn't the first time Synacktiv has found issues in Tesla's software; they've done it at three other hacking events before. Last year, another hacker was able to take remote control of 25 Tesla cars in different countries.
Another hacker, Manfred Paul, targeted web browsers. He successfully hacked into Apple's Safari browser and was given $60,000. Paul didn't stop there. He also found ways into Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge, adding another $42,500 to his winnings. He hinted on Twitter that he might try to hack another browser soon.
Seunghyun Lee also focused on Google Chrome and found a bug that let him hack into it, winning $60,000. AbdulAziz Hariri found a way to hack Adobe Reader by finding a bug and bypassing some security measures, earning him $50,000. A team from Devcore Research discovered bugs in Windows 11 that allowed them to take more control of the system, winning $30,000.
Hacking, especially when done ethically to find and fix software problems, can bring in a lot of money. For example, a program called HackerOne has paid out more than $300 million to hackers who report bugs. However, not all hackers are ethical. Last year, bad hackers stole over $1 billion through ransomware attacks.
Image: DIW-Aigen
Read next: US Department Of Justice Files Mega Lawsuit Against Apple For Anti-Competitive Behavior
One team, called Synacktiv, managed to find a way into Tesla's software that controls the car's systems. They used a hacking technique that earned them $200,000 and a new Tesla Model 3. This isn't the first time Synacktiv has found issues in Tesla's software; they've done it at three other hacking events before. Last year, another hacker was able to take remote control of 25 Tesla cars in different countries.
Confirmed!!! The @Synacktiv team used a single integer overflow to exploit the #Tesla ECU with Vehicle (VEH) CAN BUS Control. The win $200,000, 20 Master of Pwn points, and a new Tesla Model 3 (their second!). Awesome work as always. #Pwn2Own #P2OVancouver pic.twitter.com/FcB4fTiOa7
— Zero Day Initiative (@thezdi) March 20, 2024
Another hacker, Manfred Paul, targeted web browsers. He successfully hacked into Apple's Safari browser and was given $60,000. Paul didn't stop there. He also found ways into Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge, adding another $42,500 to his winnings. He hinted on Twitter that he might try to hack another browser soon.
Seunghyun Lee also focused on Google Chrome and found a bug that let him hack into it, winning $60,000. AbdulAziz Hariri found a way to hack Adobe Reader by finding a bug and bypassing some security measures, earning him $50,000. A team from Devcore Research discovered bugs in Windows 11 that allowed them to take more control of the system, winning $30,000.
Hacking, especially when done ethically to find and fix software problems, can bring in a lot of money. For example, a program called HackerOne has paid out more than $300 million to hackers who report bugs. However, not all hackers are ethical. Last year, bad hackers stole over $1 billion through ransomware attacks.
Image: DIW-Aigen
Read next: US Department Of Justice Files Mega Lawsuit Against Apple For Anti-Competitive Behavior
