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Some Rexroth torque wrenches used in automobile manufacturing are vulnerable to hacker attacks. This could lead to production paralysis and the danger of finished cars simply by changing the tightening torque, which can be done remotely via WiFi.
Security updates for computer software have been the norm for many years and are now becoming standard in cars, whose security from cyberattacks has long been a somewhat neglected part of the fight against people with nefarious intentions. But even the hand tools used in making cars are not completely safe from them, as found by Nozomi labs, which study vulnerabilities in computer systems.
Specifically, in this case we are talking about torque wrenches from Rexroth, a subsidiary of the giant Bosch. Of course, this is not a classic mechanical torque wrench that clicks when the desired tightening torque is reached, but rather a professional device that is equipped with a display and a WLAN connection module.
What is a WiFi torque wrench? We remind you that in this case we are talking about tools for the mass production of cars, the aim of which is to facilitate the work of workers as much as possible while combining the performance of each of them as perfectly as possible . Using the radio connection, it is therefore possible to set all keys in the same way by placing them on the screw and pressing a button – and the key itself is tightened to the correct torque. All buttons can also be easily reset remotely.
If a tightening torque is specified for a screw, it must be strictly adhered to so that the safety of the vehicle is not endangered. If a hacker were able to communicate between the individual torque wrenches and their remote control software, he could, for example, manipulate the torques and thus either cause the screws to be torn off due to too much torque, thereby crippling production, or that the case is, on the contrary, inadequate tightening, which in extreme cases could lead to the customer colliding with the car.
However, patch software is already in the works and will be implemented by the end of this month wherever the affected torque wrenches are used.
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