Yes, researchers reported that a Kia’s license plate could be used as the starting point for unauthorized access to connected-car functions—but “hijack” needs an important qualification. The 2024 disclosure described a chain of web-application and API authorization flaws involving Kia’s owner and dealer systems. In the researchers’ testing, an attacker who knew a vehicle’s plate could reportedly connect vehicle records to owner information and invoke some remote services.
That was not a demonstrated ability to remotely steer the Kia, drive it away, or universally take over every Kia. The proof of concept was withheld, and the researchers said Kia fixed the reported issues before their account was published. The incident was a cloud-service authorization failure, not a magic radio key and not the same problem as the separate “Kia Boys” physical-theft wave.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
What the 2024 Kia disclosure actually showed
Sam Curry and collaborating researchers investigated Kia’s online owner portal, dealer-facing infrastructure, vehicle lookup functions, and authorization systems. Their published technical account says the attack path could begin with a vehicle’s license plate rather than a Kia account password.
The core problem was reportedly an authorization chain: information that could be associated with a vehicle was joined to backend operations without adequate checks that the person making the request was actually authorized to control that vehicle. In other words, the license plate was an identifier that helped begin the chain. It was not itself a remote-control signal.
#1 Best Overall
- DOUBLE PROTECTION DESIGN&EASY TO USE:The steering wheel lock adopts the humanized design of four locking hooks and twin bars, which can be locked on the steering wheel more firmly and with a sense of security.The car theft prevention device is easy to use, install and remove. It's simple to lock and unlock with keys in seconds!
- HIGHLY VISUAL DETERRENT AND SAFE:The bright color of the car lock is a fine choice for maximum visibility both day and night,which tells the thief "Not this car"!The anti car theft device greatly reduces the possibility of being targeted by thieves and protects your car security effectively.Tevlaphee steering wheel lock gives you more peace of mind!
- A+ GRADE ANTI-THEFT LOCK:Car wheel lock is made of top-grade steel, featuring a high-strength solid locking beam that makes it difficult for thieves to break. The pure copper lock core is durable and provides secure anti-theft protection! The precise double spring crescent lock sub-type encoding key is specially designed to prevent professional thieves and mutual open rate!The overall body of the anti-theft steering wheel lock is treated with a plastic dipping process that will not damage you steering wheel.
- WORK FOR MOST CARS:The universal anti theft steering wheel lock can be adjusted to fit steering wheels with inner diameter between 4.9”-13” for sedans,SUV,pickup trucks,vans,trucks etc.You have the flexibility to make adjustments as you wish!
- YOU DESERVE THE BEST:If you are not satisfied with your purchase or have any questions about our steering lock,please find Tevlaphee team via Amazon! You have no risk in trying. We promise you will get friendly products and service. You can buy with confidence!
The researchers said the affected population included hardware-equipped Kia vehicles manufactured from 2013 onward and that their demonstrated attack did not require an active Kia Connect subscription. Those are claims about the researchers’ testing, not proof that every Kia from 2013 onward was vulnerable or that the same functions were available on every model, trim, market, or connected hardware configuration.
The short version: a plate number could reportedly lead to unauthorized cloud access to vehicle-related data and connected services. The public evidence does not show remote driving or guaranteed physical theft of the car.
Timeline: discovery, disclosure, and the reported fix
| Date | What the researchers reported |
|---|---|
| June 11, 2024 | The researchers said they discovered and reported the vulnerability set to Kia. |
| June–August 2024 | They said Kia investigated the findings, validated them, and changed affected backend systems. |
| September 20, 2024 | The researchers published their account and said the relevant vulnerabilities had been fixed. |
These dates and the remediation claims come from the researchers’ account. They should not be read as an independently audited Kia incident report. The researchers also said Kia had validated the findings and that they were not aware of malicious exploitation.
No authoritative public source identified in the reviewed material documents that this specific 2024 license-plate/API issue remains exploitable. That is a narrower and more accurate conclusion than saying Kia has had no security problems or that all connected Kia services are permanently safe.
What an attacker could reportedly do
The researchers described three broad categories of impact. The exact commands depended on the vehicle’s connected hardware and what the backend supported.
Rank #2
- WORK & SLEEP WITHOUT WORRY - CarLock anti theft car device and car alarm monitors and alerts you on your phone when your vehicle is moved, when the engine starts, if unusual vibration is detected & even if the device is disconnected!
- MONITOR YOUR TEENAGER - We love our teens but they can be entirely different people behind the wheel. Car Lock car safety device detects harsh acceleration (drag racing), hard breaking & sharp cornering (stunt driving).
- VIRTUAL MECHANIC - CarLock actively monitors the health of your vehicle and alerts you in advance if your car battery is running dangerously low or is experiencing high battery drain.
- LIKE GPS ON STEROIDS - Car Lock GPS tracker and car alarm includes detailed trip tracking which lets you monitor where your car has been. Whether your car is stolen or a "trusted" driver is going off course - you'll know!
- EXTREMELY AFFORDABLE - CarLock antitheft GPS vehicle tracker uses cloud computing, internet storage, GPS tracking and a modern day app (Android & iOS). You get all this for only $9.95 per month and the first month is FREE!
1. Invoke connected-vehicle commands
The reported capabilities included functions such as remotely locking or unlocking doors and locating the vehicle. Kia’s consumer materials describe these as normal capabilities of the Kia Connect ecosystem, along with services such as remote climate control and other connected features. That establishes what kinds of functions exist in the product; it does not establish that every Kia Connect feature was reachable through the disclosed flaw.
The practical distinction is important: unauthorized use of a remote lock, unlock, location, climate, or similar service is serious, but it is not the same as operating the vehicle as if someone were sitting in the driver’s seat.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2. Expose owner and location information
The researchers said the chain could retrieve personally identifying information associated with the vehicle, including the owner’s name, phone number, email address, and physical address. They also described vehicle-location and telemetry-related capabilities.
This privacy impact may be more consequential than a single remote command. A person who can associate a vehicle with an owner and a home address may be able to infer routines, identify where the vehicle is kept, or target the owner with convincing follow-up messages. Owners should therefore treat a plate number, VIN, address, and connected-car account as related pieces of sensitive information rather than isolated data points.
3. Add an attacker-controlled user
The researchers also described the ability to add an attacker-controlled account as an apparently invisible secondary user. That matters because changing the primary account password alone might not remove an unauthorized account or sharing permission.
Rank #3
- 【Powerful System Functionality】Venluna backup camera system boasts Bluetooth 5.0 (music playback/make a call) and USB 2.0 port (movie/music playback via USB drive). Monitor with built-in tweeter & microphone enables hands-free calling, boosting driving safety.
- 【10.1inch 4K Touchscreen & 1080P Camera】Venluna backup camera system boasts a 10.1-inch 4K IPS touchscreen monitor, simultaneously displaying the UI and 4-channel footage. Responsive, color-accurate with a wide viewing angle, it delivers no color cast or distortion from any perspective. It supports 1/2/3/4-channel display selection and free screen rotation for post-installation adjustments.
- 【DVR Recording & No Signal Delay】Venluna backup camera system features built-in DVR recording with local playback and loop recording. 4 cameras record simultaneously with zero signal delay, eliminating blind spots for safer driving—ideal for parking and security monitoring.
- 【IP69 Waterproof Camera】Venluna wireless backup camera adopts IP69 waterproof material which can against dust, water jets, and extreme weather for year-round durability. It can withstand extreme temperatures from -32° F to 187° F.
- 【Suitable for Various Vehicles】Monitor powered by cigarette lighter, monitor with adhesive (dashboard) or screw-on (overhead) mounting. 4 extra-long cables included, compatible with RVs, trucks, trailers, school buses, heavy-duty campers, Class A box trucks, semi-trucks, travel trailers, horse trailers, tractors, 5th wheels, etc.
If a Kia owner suspects that someone added access, the right response is to review connected users, sharing permissions, account sessions, and remote-access settings—not merely to assume that a password reset has cleared every authorization.
What was not demonstrated
The public disclosure does not support saying that an attacker could:
- remotely steer the Kia;
- remotely drive it away;
- guarantee an engine takeover;
- unlock or control every Kia model; or
- steal the vehicle simply by transmitting its license plate number.
The researchers deliberately withheld the published proof-of-concept tool. This article also does not reproduce endpoint names, token formats, request bodies, bypass logic, scripts, or instructions for querying a vehicle by license plate. Those details would turn a historical disclosure into an intrusion guide and would put vehicle owners at unnecessary risk.
Was an active Kia Connect subscription required?
According to the researchers, the demonstrated attack did not require an active Kia Connect subscription. That does not mean that every Kia without a subscription had the same exposure, nor does it describe how Kia’s current service works. It means the researchers said their tested path relied on backend relationships and authorization behavior rather than on a conventional, active paid subscription in the victim’s account.
Kia’s current owner-facing setup materials describe an intended enrollment process involving the Kia Access/Kia Connect ecosystem, VIN entry, a verification code, account setup, and in-vehicle activation. Those current requirements are useful context for how the service is designed now, but they are not a forensic reconstruction of the vulnerable 2024 implementation. You can review the current process in Kia’s Kia Connect owner materials.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Rank #4
- 【2-Pack Double Protection】: Each set includes 2 car alarm units + 1 wireless remote, so you can secure two vehicles at once, or place one on the front and one on the rear of a single car. The remote can pair with multiple hosts - great for couples, families, or a car + motorcycle combo
- 【Smart 3D Motion Sensor, Fewer False Alarms】: Built-in 3D acceleration sensor with AI algorithm detects vibration, prying and forced entry, while intelligently filtering out noise from passing cars, rain or thunder - high sensitivity without the constant false alarms that cheap alarms cause
- 【108dB Siren + Red Warning Light】: First vibration triggers a short beep with red flashing as a warning; a second sets off a 30-second loud 108dB siren with strobe-like flashing that scares off thieves. 3 volume levels (108/102/96dB) suit neighborhoods, lots or busy streets
- 【Magnetic Mount, No Drilling】: A strong magnet holds the alarm in place - no tools, no wiring, no sticky residue, and you can move it between cars anytime. The anti-UV PC housing resists high heat and cold, so it stays stable even in a car parked under the summer sun
- 【66ft Wireless Remote & Long Battery】: Arm, disarm or locate your vehicle from up to 66ft (20m) away. Powered by 2 AAA batteries, the unit runs 6+ months and the remote lasts up to 2 years. Also works for home doors, bikes, ebikes, luggage - multi-scene security
The Kia Boys theft problem was a different security issue
The license-plate disclosure is often discussed alongside the “Kia Boys” theft wave, but the two incidents involved different attack surfaces and require different defenses.
| Issue | What was involved | Relevant defense |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 web/API disclosure | Internet-connected owner and dealer systems, vehicle lookup data, and inadequate backend authorization. The researchers reported access to connected functions and owner information. | Account review, removal of unknown access, support contact, current software/connectivity updates, and responsible vulnerability reporting. |
| “Kia Boys” physical theft wave | Certain U.S. Kia and Hyundai vehicles with keyed, turn-to-start ignitions and no engine immobilizer, allowing an easily bypassed physical ignition system. | Eligibility checks and the applicable manufacturer anti-theft software update, plus additional physical deterrence. |
A 2023 Kia owner notice described a free anti-theft software upgrade for eligible vehicles and specifically identified the keyed-ignition, turn-to-start configuration. A 2023 multistate letter to NHTSA described the separate physical-theft concern as involving easily bypassed ignition systems and missing immobilizers.
For an eligible vehicle in that separate category, a steering-wheel lock for Kia can provide an additional physical deterrent. It does not repair the 2024 web/API authorization flaw, protect a Kia Connect account, or prevent misuse of cloud-connected services. Conversely, changing a Kia Connect password or disabling remote access would not fix a mechanically vulnerable keyed ignition.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What Kia owners should do
- Secure the connected-car account. Use a unique, strong password for the Kia Access/Kia Connect account. Enable multifactor authentication if it is offered for your account or region, and avoid reusing the password on email, shopping, or other services.
- Audit every person and session with access. Review connected users, vehicle-sharing permissions, account sessions, and remote-access settings. Remove unknown users or permissions. If the interface does not clearly show or remove an unfamiliar account, contact Kia customer support or an authorized dealer and explain that you suspect unauthorized connected access.
- Watch for privacy exposure. Do not publish a full license plate, VIN, home address, or screenshots that combine those identifiers unless there is a specific reason to do so. A plate is not a secret in the same way a password is, but combining vehicle identifiers with contact and address information increases the risk of targeted abuse.
- Ask about updates. Ask Kia or an authorized dealer whether the vehicle has current software and connectivity updates. The researchers reported that the 2024 issue was fixed; an update check is still sensible because connected vehicles have model-, region-, and hardware-specific software.
- Check the separate theft campaign if applicable. If the vehicle has a keyed, turn-to-start ignition, check eligibility for Kia’s anti-theft software update through Kia or the relevant U.S. safety-campaign resources. Obtain the applicable no-cost update if the vehicle qualifies. A physical lock can be an additional deterrent, not a substitute for the update.
- Report suspected security issues safely. Kia’s Kia vulnerability reporting policy says U.S. vehicle, website, owner-portal, and mobile-app issues are in scope. It also warns researchers not to test in ways that could harm customers, vehicles, dealerships, or third parties. Do not probe vehicles you do not own, collect unnecessary personal data, or attempt commands that could affect another person’s car.
How to read the headline accurately
“Hacking Kia: Remotely Hijack a Car Using Only Its License Plate” is a compelling shorthand, but it compresses several technical facts into one phrase.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →- “Using only its license plate” means the plate was reportedly enough to start the researchers’ web/API attack chain; it does not mean the plate transmitted a command to the car.
- “Remotely hijack” should mean unauthorized control of some connected services and access to associated data, not remote autonomous driving.
- “A Kia” should not be expanded to “all Kias.” The reported scope depended on hardware, backend support, model, and connected-service configuration.
- “Could” is essential because the published proof of concept was withheld and the impact is being described from the researchers’ report rather than from a public, independently reproduced exploit.
The lasting lesson is broader than this particular Kia incident: a connected vehicle is partly a web service. A failure in account linking, authorization, or backend data handling can expose physical-world functions even when the attacker never gets near the vehicle and never touches its ignition system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Could the Kia vulnerability let someone drive the car away remotely?
The public evidence does not demonstrate remote steering, remote driving, or guaranteed engine takeover. The researchers reported unauthorized access to connected functions such as locking or unlocking doors, locating the vehicle, and other backend-supported services.
Was every Kia made from 2013 onward vulnerable?
No such universal conclusion is supported. The researchers said the affected population included hardware-equipped Kia vehicles manufactured from 2013 onward, but the available functions depended on the vehicle’s hardware, model, region, and backend support.
Did an attacker need the owner’s Kia password or an active Kia Connect subscription?
The researchers said their demonstrated attack began with a license plate and did not require an active Kia Connect subscription. That describes their testing and should not be treated as a complete description of every vehicle or current Kia service configuration.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Has Kia fixed the license-plate/API vulnerability?
The researchers reported that Kia investigated and validated the findings, changed the relevant backend systems, and fixed the vulnerabilities before publication on September 20, 2024. No authoritative public source identified in the reviewed material documents that this specific issue remains exploitable.
Will a steering-wheel lock protect against this Kia hacking issue?
No. A steering-wheel lock addresses the separate physical-theft problem associated with certain keyed, turn-to-start Kia vehicles. It does not repair a cloud authorization flaw or protect a Kia Connect account.
The Bottom Line
Bottom line: Researchers reported that a license plate could start a chain leading to Kia owner data and unauthorized connected-car commands, but they did not demonstrate remote driving or universal theft. Kia was reported to have fixed the issue before publication. Protect the Kia Connect account, review unknown users and permissions, check for current updates, and treat the separate keyed-ignition theft campaign as a different problem requiring a different fix.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
