The Flipper Zero device, which was originally designed to analyze wireless protocols, has become a tool for car theft. According to The Verge, software has appeared on the black market that allows the gadget to intercept radio signals from car keys.
Special firmware for Flipper Zero can intercept and copy signals from keys from popular brands such as Ford, Audi, Volkswagen, Subaru, Hyundai and Kia. The attack requires the physical presence of the device and the installation of unofficial software that is sold or distributed for free on the Internet.
This theft method is reminiscent of the phenomenon of “Kia Boys“ in the US, where teenagers stole Hyundai and Kia cars using a simple USB cable.
While radio frequency eavesdropping attacks are nothing new, the spread of the Flipper Zero hacked software makes the problem much more serious. It is not clear whether the device can only unlock the car or also start the engine. But if the hacked code becomes widely available, it could lead to large-scale security problems for cars.
Hyundai, Kia and Genesis have already had a similar problem in the UK, which forced manufacturers to offer paid security software updates.