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Several Car Brands Were Exposed to Hacking Through a SiriusXM Connected-Vehicle Flaw

Researchers found a 2022 authorization flaw affecting certain connected Honda, Nissan, Infiniti and Acura vehicles. SiriusXM said it patched the issue within 24 hours and reported no compromise through the method.
Entry162 Date Time2 min MechanicCarCody Team
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In 2022, researchers reported an authorization flaw in SiriusXM Connected Vehicle Services that let them target certain connected Honda, Nissan, Infiniti and Acura vehicles using the car’s VIN. The reported access could expose owner details and trigger remote vehicle functions. SiriusXM said it fixed the flaw within 24 hours of receiving the report and that it found no subscriber data compromised or unauthorized account modified through that method.

How the VIN-based attack worked

The weakness was in the authorization path used by the shared telematics service, not in a single dashboard component. Security researcher Sam Curry and colleagues said they could use a vehicle identification number (VIN) in crafted requests to access functions without authorization. A VIN is an identifier, not a password; the flaw was that the service did not properly authorize the requests tied to it.

SecurityWeek’s reporting described the initial testing through NissanConnect: supplying a VIN in crafted HTTP requests could reveal vehicle-owner information and make remote commands available. The affected systems were for remotely connected vehicles; the reporting does not establish that every car from the listed brands was vulnerable.

Which vehicles and information were involved?

Issue Vehicles or brands reported Reported access
SiriusXM Connected Vehicle Services authorization flaw Confirmed VIN-based targets: Honda, Nissan, Infiniti and Acura vehicles with remote connectivity Owner name, phone number, address and vehicle details; location and remote unlock, start, lights and horn functions
Separate vulnerability covered in the same reporting Hyundai and Genesis vehicles made after 2012 Researchers described control of locks, engine, horn, headlights and trunk through a different weakness

The two issues should not be conflated: the Hyundai and Genesis vulnerability was separate from the SiriusXM VIN-based authorization flaw. Hyundai and Genesis said they added countermeasures after notification.

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#1 Best Overall
SiriusXM Onyx EZR Satellite Radio with Vehicle Kit (SXEZR1V1)
  • SUBSCRIPTION REQUIRED - Activate your radio/tuner with the All Access Plan and enjoy 165+ channels of ad-free music, plus sports, news, talk & comedy.
  • ADVANCED FEATURES - Store up to 10 of your favorite SiriusXM channels or use TuneMix to create a blend of selected channels; plus, quickly return to the previous channel with One-Touch Jump.
  • EASY-TO-READ DISPLAY - View what’s playing on the 3.2” high-resolution display, while using split screen mode to see what's currently playing on your other favorite channels. Two display options available -- white text on black background or black text on white background.
  • WHAT’S IN THE BOX - Complete vehicle kit for DIY vehicle stereo connection and installation, including the SiriusXM Onyx EZR radio, vehicle dock, dash & vent mount/clamps & hardware, power adapter, magnetic-mount antenna with aux-in cable, cable routing adapter, and mounting prep pads.
  • GET ALERTS - Get alerts when your favorite songs, artists, or sports teams are playing on another channel.

SiriusXM Connected Vehicle Services was reported in 2022 to serve more than 12 million vehicles in North America. Its service website listed Acura, BMW, Honda, Hyundai, Infiniti, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lexus, Nissan, Subaru and Toyota. That describes the reported service footprint at the time; it does not mean every listed brand or vehicle was exposed to this flaw, nor is it a current fleet estimate.

Was personal information exposed, and is the flaw still active?

Researchers reported that the VIN-based request path could retrieve a vehicle owner’s name, phone number, address and car details. SiriusXM said no subscriber or other data was compromised and no unauthorized account was modified using the method. The cited reporting documents the vulnerability and its repair, but does not establish criminal exploitation or a present-day way to use the flaw.

Rank #2
SiriusXM RoadyBT (Bluetooth) Vehicle Satellite Radio - Enjoy SiriusXM Through Your Existing Car Stereo via Bluetooth (RoadyBT SXVRBT1)
  • SUBSCRIPTION REQUIRED - Activate your radio/tuner with the All Access Plan and enjoy 165+ channels of ad-free music, plus sports, news, talk & comedy.
  • BLUETOOTH CONNECTIVITY - Connect to your car's audio system via Bluetooth audio streaming, Aux or FM audio output for instant access to SiriusXM.
  • MAGNETIC MOUNTING OPTIONS - Choose versatile magnetic vent or dash mount options (included) or a compatible alternative mounting solution (sold separately).
  • CONTROL YOUR CONTENT - Pause, rewind, and replay up to 60 minutes of live satellite radio programming; plus, enjoy advanced music features, such as TuneStart, which allows you to restart songs from the beginning on your favorite channels.
  • WHAT’S IN THE BOX - SiriusXM Roady BT display and cable, intelligent power adapter, 3.5mm aux audio cable, magnetic adapter, wedge, vent and dash mounts, magnetic mount antenna

What SiriusXM and the automakers did

SiriusXM said it resolved the authorization issue within 24 hours after receiving the report. Its spokesperson also said the company participates in a bug bounty program to help identify and correct potential platform security flaws. The Hyundai and Genesis issue was likewise followed by countermeasures after disclosure, according to the reporting.

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What owners should do

  • Keep vehicle software and companion apps updated, and follow security notices from the vehicle manufacturer.
  • If you notice unexpected remote commands, location activity or account changes, contact the automaker or connected-service provider through its official support channel.
  • Do not assume a VIN cover, Faraday pouch or OBD accessory repairs a server-side authorization defect. The reported remedy was a vendor-side fix, not a consumer-installed device.

These are general precautions for connected vehicles; they are not evidence that the 2022 SiriusXM flaw remains exploitable.

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Best Value
SiriusXM SXV300V1 Satellite Radio Vehicle Tuner, Add to Any SiriusXM-Ready Car Stereo (SXV300V1)
  • SUBSCRIPTION REQUIRED - Activate your radio/tuner with the All Access Plan and enjoy 165+ channels of ad-free music, plus sports, news, talk & comedy.
  • SIRIUSXM-READY - Add satellite radio to any SiriusXM-Ready headunit; works with any car stereo displaying the SiriusXM-Ready logo from Kenwood, Pioneer, Sony, JVC, Alpine and more.
  • CONTROL YOUR CONTENT - Pause, rewind, and replay up to 60 minutes of live satellite radio programming; plus, enjoy advanced music features, such as TuneStart, which allows you to restart songs from the beginning on your favorite channels.
  • COLOR ART COMPATIBLE - Display album artwork, channel logos, and backgrounds on SiriusXM-Ready headunits with compatible color screens.
  • GET ALERTS - Get alerts when your favorite songs, artists, or sports teams are playing on another channel.
Rank #4
SiriusXM Onyx EZR Satellite Radio with Home Kit (SXEZR1H1)
  • SUBSCRIPTION REQUIRED - Activate your radio/tuner with the All Access Plan and enjoy 165+ channels of ad-free music, plus sports, news, talk & comedy.
  • ADVANCED FEATURES - Store up to 10 of your favorite SiriusXM channels or use TuneMix to create a blend of selected channels; plus, quickly return to the previous channel with One-Touch Jump or conveniently operate your radio from across the room with the included remote control.
  • EASY-TO-READ DISPLAY - View what’s playing on the 3.2” high-resolution display, while using split screen mode to see what's currently playing on your other favorite channels. Two display options available -- white text on black background or black text on white background.
  • WHAT’S IN THE BOX - Complete home kit for DIY home stereo connection and installation, including SiriusXM Onyx EZR radio, home dock, remote control, indoor/outdoor home antenna, home power adapter, and stereo audio cable.
Rank #3
SiriusXM Tour Dock & Play Radio with 360L, PowerConnect Vehicle Dock, and Bluetooth (Tour SXWB1V1)
  • SUBSCRIPTION REQUIRED - Activate your radio/tuner with the All Access Plan and enjoy 165+ channels of ad-free music, plus sports, news, talk & comedy.
  • 360L TECHNOLOGY - Combines SiriusXM satellite and streaming features together to transform your listening experience and give you 360 degrees of listening.*
  • VOICE SEARCH - Speak into the built-in microphone to search for & discover content, tune channels, browse categories, and find games of your favorite sports teams.
  • BLUETOOTH AUDIO CONNECTIVITY - Easily connect to your radio, home sound system, or a Bluetooth speaker with Bluetooth audio streaming.
  • MORE WAYS TO LISTEN - Listen to SiriusXM through your home audio system or powered speakers with the (1) Home Kit or dock-and-play for anywhere entertainment with the (2) Portable Speaker Dock. 1) With optional SXDH4 Home Kit (sold separately) 2) With optional SXSD2 Boombox (sold separately) *Access to Streaming content and certain features require internet connectivity via a Wi-Fi connection

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.

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