Researchers Detail Boeing 737 Physical Hacking Vulnerability
TL;DR. Researchers built a coin-sized, sub-
00 device capable of hacking a Boeing 737’s flight computers through a physical port.
- The device can remotely alter flight plans and critical data, accessible via an unlocked maintenance bay.
- Attackers could install the Wi-Fi-enabled device in under 60 seconds.
- The vulnerability affects a significant portion of the global commercial aircraft fleet.
- Boeing was alerted in 2020 but action on fixes remains unknown.
UC San Diego and Oberlin College researchers created a sub-
00 device to hack Boeing 737 flight computers.
The device can be installed in 60 seconds through an unlocked exterior maintenance hatch.
It allows remote alteration of flight plans, weight, balance, and temperature data, posing serious safety risks.
The vulnerability affects approximately 8,000 Boeing 737 aircraft globally.
Researchers alerted Boeing in 2020 but have not confirmed if the issue has been mitigated.