Hackers can exploit vulnerabilities in a popular GPS tracking device used around the world for vehicle fleet management across many industry sectors. The tracker, made by a Chinese company called MiCODUS, is widely available to purchase from online retailers and has anti-theft, fuel cut off, remote control, and geofencing capabilities.
“The exploitation of these vulnerabilities could have disastrous and even life-threatening implications,” researchers from cybersecurity assessment firm BitSight said in a report. “For example, an attacker could exploit some of the vulnerabilities to cut fuel to an entire fleet of commercial or emergency vehicles. Or the attacker could leverage GPS information to monitor and abruptly stop vehicles on dangerous highways. Attackers could choose to surreptitiously track individuals or demand ransom payments to return disabled vehicles to working condition. There are many possible scenarios which could result in loss of life, property damage, privacy intrusions, and threaten national security.”