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The Tesla exploit at Pwn2Own Vancouver 2024 earned Synacktiv $200,000, 20 Master of Pwn points and a new Tesla Model 3. The often-quoted $1.1 million figure was not the Tesla prize: it was the total ZDI reported for all 29 unique zero-days demonstrated across the two-day event.
What happened in the Tesla contest?
At the March 20–21, 2024, Pwn2Own Vancouver contest, Synacktiv competed in the Automotive category on March 20. ZDI said the team used “a single integer overflow to exploit the Tesla ECU with Vehicle (VEH) CAN BUS Control.” The contest result awarded Synacktiv $200,000, 20 Master of Pwn points and a new Tesla Model 3. ZDI’s Day One results and its full schedule identify the entry and its place in the event.
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Hot Wheels Tesla Model 3 | $24.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Matchbox Tesla Model 3, White 53/100 | $19.39 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Matchbox Tesla 20th Anniversary 5 Pack - 1:64 Scale, Model S, Model 3, X, Y, 2020 Roadster | $74.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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Matchbox Tesla Model Y 1:64 Scale Die-Cast Car, Blue, 3/100 | $12.79 | Buy on Amazon |
What did the $1.1 million total include?
The rounded headline figure refers to the whole Pwn2Own Vancouver 2024 event, not the Tesla demonstration. ZDI reported $1,132,500 in awards for 29 unique zero-days across the event. That total covered demonstrations in multiple categories and should not be confused with Synacktiv’s Tesla-specific $200,000 prize. ZDI’s Day Two results report the event-wide figure.
How was the Tesla demonstration described?
ZDI’s results give the specific technical description: a single integer overflow targeting a Tesla ECU with Vehicle CAN BUS Control. In a later corporate recap dated April 2, Trend Micro described the ECU demonstration as an “over-the-air exploit.” That is Trend Micro’s characterization; the brief ZDI result does not spell out a more detailed attack chain. The two descriptions should not be combined into assumptions about how an attacker would reach a vehicle in real-world conditions. Trend Micro’s recap provides its account.
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What does the result establish—and what does it not?
The contest reports document a successful demonstration against the specified ECU target and the award to Synacktiv. They do not identify a Tesla trim, ECU hardware revision, software version, vulnerability identifier, detailed exploit preconditions or Tesla-specific remediation status. Nor do they assess the practical safety risk to vehicle owners. The result therefore establishes what was demonstrated in the contest, not that a broad remote attack against consumer vehicles was shown.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Were the vulnerabilities patched?
ZDI said vendors generally had 90 days to fix vulnerabilities disclosed through the event. That event-wide remediation window does not establish when Tesla patched this particular issue or whether a fix was available for any specific vehicle. The cited contest results do not state Tesla’s patch date or remediation status.
Quick Recap
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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.
