Millions of Kia Vehicles Exposed to Remote Hacks via License Plate: The Growing Risk of Automotive API Vulnerabilities

Introduction

In an increasingly connected world, the lines between digital security and physical safety are rapidly blurring. The automotive industry, now more reliant on connectivity than ever before, faces a new wave of cybersecurity threats. Millions of Kia vehicles, ranging from the 2013 model year to 2025, were recently found to be vulnerable to remote hacking via license plate information. The flaw, discovered by independent security researchers, highlights the growing dangers associated with the application programming interfaces (APIs) used in modern connected vehicles.

This latest vulnerability exposes vehicle owners to a wide range of cyber risks, from unauthorized access to personal data to remote vehicle control—putting millions of drivers at risk. The incident serves as a reminder that robust cybersecurity measures are critical in an era where vehicles are part of the Internet of Things (IoT).

How Kia Vehicles Were Left Open to Remote Hacks

Security researchers uncovered a flaw in Kia’s connected vehicle systems that allowed hackers to remotely control vehicles by using only the license plate information. Once they gained access, hackers could perform critical actions like remotely locking and unlocking doors, turning the ignition on and off, and even accessing the vehicle’s geolocation.

The researchers discovered that the vulnerability stemmed from the API protocols used by Kia to connect their vehicles to online systems. By registering as a Kia dealer and accessing the dealer-only API, they could manipulate key vehicle functions. This oversight in authentication and API management left millions of Kia owners exposed to potential cyberattacks.

Understanding the Risks of Automotive APIs

The key issue behind this vulnerability lies in the API protocols that manage communication between the vehicle and external systems. APIs like gRPC, REST, and MQTT, used for transmitting data between internet-connected services and cars, can easily become gateways for hackers if not properly secured. In Kia’s case, the API that allowed access to vehicle control functions was insufficiently protected, allowing unauthorized users to exploit the system with minimal effort.

According to Ivan Novikov, CEO of API security firm Wallarm, this discovery emphasizes the need for automakers to tighten security measures. “Automotive vendors must focus on strengthening authentication and ensuring secure communication channels to prevent unauthorized access to these critical systems,” Novikov says.

Implications for Connected Vehicles

With cars becoming increasingly connected to smartphones, apps, and cloud services, the threat landscape for cyberattacks on vehicles has widened. Modern vehicles often have telematics systems, infotainment units, and other IoT-connected components that offer multiple entry points for cybercriminals. This vulnerability in Kia’s API systems is just one of many examples of how connected vehicles are at risk.

The potential consequences of these hacks are severe. Once hackers access the vehicle’s system, they can control its functions, retrieve personally identifiable information (PII), and potentially even track the vehicle’s real-time location. Akhil Mittal, senior manager of cybersecurity strategy at Synopsys Software Integrity Group, warns that if automotive APIs controlling critical functions aren't adequately secured, they could become easy targets for attackers.

A Pattern of Cybersecurity Issues in the Automotive Industry

Kia is not the first automaker to face such issues. Similar vulnerabilities have been discovered in other brands, including Honda, Infiniti, BMW, and Nissan. In many cases, hackers were able to take control of a vehicle’s functions with little more than a vehicle identification number (VIN) or an email address.

David Brumley, CEO of software security firm ForAllSecure, pointed out that automakers have repeatedly failed to take proper security measures. “Yesterday, drivers worried about key fob theft. Today, they need to worry about whether their vehicle’s API is protected. The lack of accountability within the automotive industry is alarming,” Brumley says.

Moreover, concerns about connected vehicles are not limited to cybersecurity. Earlier this year, U.S. lawmakers raised concerns over how automakers collect data from connected cars. The collection of sensitive data such as owners’ movements and driving habits has led to calls for increased regulatory oversight in the industry.

The Role of Digital Monitoring in Protecting Vehicles

As automotive cybersecurity threats increase, so does the need for comprehensive digital protection solutions. Automakers must implement advanced stolen credentials detection, darknet monitoring services, and digital footprint analysis to track and defend against such vulnerabilities. Brand protection and brand impersonation defense tools can also help protect a company’s reputation and safeguard customer data in the event of a security breach.

For automakers and cybersecurity firms alike, online risk evaluation and digital threat scoring should become standard practices to assess the security of their connected systems. By actively monitoring and addressing these vulnerabilities, the automotive industry can better protect consumers from the growing risks of cyberattacks.

Conclusion

The exposure of millions of Kia vehicles to remote hacking via license plate information underscores the urgent need for stronger automotive cybersecurity. With modern vehicles relying heavily on APIs to connect with the outside world, vulnerabilities in these protocols can have far-reaching consequences.

As hackers continue to exploit weaknesses in connected vehicles, automakers must prioritize cybersecurity by improving authentication processes, securing communication channels, and using digital monitoring services. Only by addressing these vulnerabilities can the industry ensure the safety and security of drivers in an increasingly connected world.

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