After becoming aware of a pretty scary vulnerability that allows hackers to remotely seize control of vehicles featuring the company’s Uconnect system, Chrysler has announced a recall.
This particular recall is a voluntary recall encompassing 1.4 million vehicles dating back to 2013 models, all of which come equipped with Uconnect.
A hacker that knows what he or she is doing can effectively cut a car’s brakes, turn off the engine, or potentially overtake the steering wheel while the following vehicles are on the road:
- 2013-2015 MY Dodge Viper specialty vehicles
- 2013-2015 Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 pickups
- 2013-2015 Ram 3500, 4500, 5500 Chassis Cabs
- 2014-2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Cherokee SUVs
- 2014-2015 Dodge Durango SUVs
- 2015 MY Chrysler 200, Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger sedans
- 2015 Dodge Challenger sports coupes
Luckily for owners of the cars affected by the remote hijacking vulnerability, all they have to do is download a patch for the issue on a USB drive.
No leaving your vehicle overnight in a dealership and Chrysler promises it’s taken “network-level security measures to prevent the type of remote manipulation” that has affected over 1 million vehicles.
Chrysler added in statement that “The company is unaware of any injuries related to software exploitation, nor is it aware of any related complaints, warranty claims or accidents — independent of the media demonstration. The software manipulation addressed by this recall required unique and extensive technical knowledge, prolonged physical access to a subject vehicle and extended periods of time to write code.”
