iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Hackers and security researchers earned $1,323,750 at the inaugural Pwn2Own Automotive contest in 2024 by demonstrating 49 unique zero-day vulnerabilities. The competition covered Tesla, electric-vehicle chargers, in-vehicle infotainment systems, and automotive operating systems. Its $1.3 million headline refers to that 2024 event—not the separate 2025 contest, which awarded $886,250.
What is Pwn2Own Automotive?
Pwn2Own Automotive is an automotive-focused vulnerability research competition organized by Trend Micro’s Zero Day Initiative (ZDI). Researchers demonstrate security flaws against designated contest targets under controlled competition rules, and successful demonstrations earn prizes. Tesla sponsored the inaugural event, with VicOne as a partner.
The first contest grouped targets into four categories: Tesla, in-vehicle infotainment (IVI), electric-vehicle chargers, and operating systems. ZDI reported that researchers demonstrated 49 unique zero-days during the three-day 2024 event. ZDI’s announcement of the next edition gives the inaugural contest’s total payout as $1,323,750.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →How much did hackers earn?
The 2024 contest awarded a total of $1,323,750 for 49 unique zero-days. That is the exact amount behind the rounded “$1.3 million” headline. The figure is the total distributed across the event, not a payment to one researcher.
The following year had a different result: ZDI’s January 23, 2025 final report says the competition awarded $886,250 for 49 zero-days over three days. Sina Kheirkhah of Summoning Team was named Master of Pwn, earning $222,250 and 30.5 points. Those 2025 figures should not be conflated with the 2024 payout.
#1 Best Overall
- CEL Doctor: The ANCEL AD310 is one of the best-selling OBD II scanners on the market and is recommended by Scotty Kilmer, a YouTuber and auto mechanic. It can easily determine the cause of the check engine light coming on. After repairing the vehicle's problems, it can quickly read and clear diagnostic trouble codes of emission system, read live data & hard memory data, view freeze frame, I/M monitor readiness and collect vehicle information
- Sturdy and Compact: Equipped with a 2.5 foot cable made of very thick, flexible insulation. It is important to have a sturdy scanner as it can easily fall to the ground when working in a car. The AD310 OBD2 scanner is a well-constructed mechanic tool with a sleek design. It weighs 12 ounces and measures 8.9 x 6.9 x 1.4 inches. Thanks to its compact design and light weight, transporting the device is not a problem. The buttons are clearly labelled and the screen is large and displays results clearly
- Accurate Fast and Easy to Use: The AD310 scanner can help you or your mechanic understand if your car is in good condition, provides exceptionally accurate and fast results, reads and clears engine trouble emission codes in seconds after you fixed the problem. This device will let you know immediately and fix the problem right away without any car knowledge. No need for batteries or a charger, get power directly from the OBDII Data Link Connector in your vehicle
- OBDII Protocols and Car Compatibility: Many cheap scan tools do not really support all OBD2 protocols. AD310 scanner as it can support all OBDII protocols such as KWP2000, J1850 VPW, ISO9141, J1850 PWM and CAN. This device also has extensive vehicle compatibility with 1996 US-based, 2000 EU-based and Asian cars, light trucks, SUVs, as well as newer OBD2 and CAN vehicles both domestic and foreign. Pls confirm with our customer service whether it is compatible with your vehicle before purchasing
- Home Necessity and Worthy to Own: This is an excellent code reader to travel or home with as it weighs less and it is compact in design. You can easily slide it in your backpack as you head to the garage, or put it on the dashboard, this will be a great fit for you. The AD310 is not only portable, but also accurate and fast in performance. Moreover, it covers various car brands and is suitable for people who just need a code reader to check their car
What kinds of systems and flaws were involved?
Tesla and vehicle-facing systems
Tesla was one of the inaugural contest’s target categories. The event’s focus was security research against designated targets; the reported demonstrations do not establish that every retail Tesla vehicle is vulnerable, nor do the cited event summaries identify a specific Tesla model or consumer-wide impact.
Infotainment systems
Modern IVI systems do more than play audio: they can provide navigation, internet access, and Wi-Fi, while connecting to other vehicle systems through the Controller Area Network (CAN) bus. That combination makes infotainment security relevant beyond the screen itself.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Rank #2
- Multi-Functions - Practical Multi-Functions OBD2 code reader features built-in OBD2 DTC lookup library, which help you to determine the cause of the engine light, read code, erase code, view freeze frame, I/M ready, vehicle information, data flow, real-time curve, get vehicle speed information, calculate load value, engine coolant temperature, get engine speed.
- Wide Capability - Supports 9 protocols compatible with most 1996 US-Based, 2000 EU-Based and Asian cars, and newer OBD II & CAN domestic or import vehicles. Supports 6 languages - English,German, Dutch, Spanish, French, Italian.
- 2.8" LCD Display - Designed with a clear display 2.8" Large LCD screen - white backlight and contrast adjustment. No need any battery or charger, OBD reader gets the power directly from your vehicle through the OBDII Data Link Connector.
- Compact Design - Car diagnostic scanner is equipped with a 2.5 feet long cable and made of a very thick flexible insulator.There are 6 buttons on OBD2 Scanner:scroll up/down,enter/exit and buttons that quick query VIN vehicle number& the DTC fault code.
- ABS / Airbag codes NOT Supported - It is able to read and clear check engine information which is part of OBDII system, but it cannot work with non-OBDII systems, including ABS / Airbag / Oil Service Light, etc.
In the documented 2025 day-one results, researchers demonstrated attacks against Alpine, Kenwood, Sony, and Automotive Grade Linux targets. ZDI’s report described techniques including stack and heap buffer overflows, OS command injection, integer overflow, a hard-coded cryptographic key, and multi-bug exploit chains. These are examples from the 2025 event, not a complete vulnerability list. ZDI’s day-one report provides the listed targets and demonstrations.
Electric-vehicle chargers
Yes. EV chargers were a core category at Pwn2Own Automotive, and the 2025 day-one report names Phoenix Contact, ChargePoint, Autel, and Ubiquiti targets. Charger attack surfaces can include companion mobile apps, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), the Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP), exposed services, other communications protocols, and user-accessible physical interfaces.
Rank #3
- Understand Your Check Engine Light – The ANCEL AD410 OBD2 scanner helps everyday drivers quickly read and clear engine-related fault codes, view code definitions, and understand why the check engine light is on before visiting a repair shop. With 42,000+ built-in DTC lookups, this car code reader helps reduce guesswork and makes basic vehicle diagnostics easier for beginners and DIY users
- Full OBD2 Diagnostics Made Simple – More than a basic engine code reader, this OBD2 scanner diagnostic tool supports key OBDII functions including reading/clearing codes, live data, freeze frame, I/M readiness, O2 sensor test, EVAP test, vehicle information, and MIL status. It helps you check your car’s condition, verify repairs after the issue is fixed, and communicate with mechanics more confidently
- Live Date & Real-time Vehicle Insights – View real-time engine data such as RPM, coolant temperature, fuel trim, oxygen sensor readings, and other available OBD2 parameters directly on the screen. These live data readings help you better understand how your vehicle is running, spot abnormal patterns, and make more informed repair decisions instead of relying only on a warning light
- Smog Check Readiness At A Glance – Use the I/M readiness function before a smog check or emissions inspection to see whether your vehicle’s monitors are ready. This OBD2 code scanner helps you confirm if recent repairs have brought the system back to a ready state, reducing the chance of failed inspections, retests, wasted trips, and unnecessary inspection fees
- Works With Most OBD2 Vehicles – Compatible with most 1996 and newer U.S.-based OBD2 cars, SUVs, and light trucks, as well as many 2000 and newer EU/Asian OBD2 vehicles. Supports major OBDII protocols including CAN, ISO9141, KWP2000, J1850 VPW, and J1850 PWM. This automotive diagnostic scanner is designed for wide vehicle coverage; please check compatibility with your vehicle before purchase
The later 2026 rules also name the Tesla Universal Wall Connector as a Level 2 EV-charger target. Those rules set a $40,000 base prize and four Master of Pwn points for that target, with possible add-ons: $10,000 and one point for Charging Connector Protocol/Signal Manipulation, or $20,000 and two points for a Charging Connector Attack. These are 2026 competition prize terms, not the 2024 payout for a Tesla product. ZDI’s automotive competition rules list the target and prize structure.
Automotive operating systems and exploit techniques
Automotive operating systems were a category in the 2024 contest, and Automotive Grade Linux appeared in the reported 2025 day-one demonstrations. Across the documented 2025 targets, ZDI described memory-corruption flaws, command injection, an integer overflow, a cryptographic-key issue, an OCPP-related bug, and chains combining multiple bugs. These descriptions indicate the range of techniques involved, but they are not a full CVE-by-CVE disclosure.
Rank #4
- 【Diagnose Check Engine Light in Seconds – No Mechanic Needed】The FOXWELL NT301 OBD2 scanner instantly reads & clears engine fault codes (DTCs) with one click. Simply plug into the 16-pin DLC port, turn ignition on, and get accurate results within seconds—No prior car knowledge required. Save hundreds on dealership fees by knowing exactly what’s wrong before you visit a shop. The #1 choice car scanner for DIYers and car owners who want to take control of their vehicle’s health
- 【Clear & Reset CEL with Confidence】Unlike cheap code readers that just erase codes temporarily, NT301 works like all professional vehicle code readers: It clears the check engine light only after you’ve fixed the underlying issue. If the problem isn’t fully repaired, the fault code will reappear. So you’ll never get a false pass. Use the foxwell scanner to verify your repair work and drive with peace of mind
- 【Sm-og Check Helper – Know Your Pass/Fail Status Before the Test】With dedicated one-click I/M readiness hotkeys and a simple Red-Yellow-Green LED indicator, you’ll instantly know if your vehicle is ready for annual testing. Built-in speaker provides clear audio feedback. No guesswork—just confidence before you head to the test center. One less thing to worry about when inspection day comes
- 【Advanced OBDII Modes – O- 2 Sensor & EVAP Testing】NT301 go beyond basic code reading with enhanced OBD2 modes. Run an EVAP system check to assess fuel tank condition, and use the O- 2 sensor test to optimize air-fuel ratio, boosting fuel economy, cutting em- issions, and saving you money at the pump. The code reader for cars and trucks is like having a mini em-issions lab in your glove box
- 【Live Data Graphing – Spot Engine Issues in Real Time】View and log live sensor data in easy-to-read graphs with this OBD2 scanner diagnostic tool. Monitor ox- ygen sensors, fuel trims, coolant temperature, RPM, and more to spot suspicious values instantly. This obd scanner gives you professional-grade insight without the pro price tag—a feature you won’t find on basic $20 car code readers
What do the demonstrations mean for vehicle and charger owners?
Pwn2Own demonstrations show why connected automotive equipment is treated as computer hardware: infotainment can link user-facing functions with vehicle networks, while chargers may expose software, wireless, protocol, network, and connector interfaces. A successful contest exploit demonstrates a flaw on the specified target under contest conditions; it does not, by itself, prove that all products of a brand or model are susceptible, that the flaw is exploitable in ordinary use, or that a safety incident occurred.
The official event materials cited here summarize prize totals, targets, rules, and exploit techniques. They do not provide a complete vulnerability-by-vulnerability CVE list or independent safety testing of consumer vehicles and chargers.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 【A MUST-HAVE SCANNER TOOL FOR DIYERS】 - VDIAGTOOL VD10 car code reader is an incredibly useful, handheld obd2 scanner for each car owner or hobbyist, even for those with little to no experience when it comes to vehicle mechanics! Similar to a fixd car diagnostic tool, using this car diagnostic scanner is extremely easy. All you have to do is attach it to your car OBDII port and you can diagnose car problems in seconds! Read Codes (DTCs); Clear Codes; Live Data; View Freeze Frame; I/M Readiness; Vehicle Information.
- 【KEEP ENGINE IN GOOD STATUS】 - VDIAGTOOL check engine code reader brings a fast access to scan, read the car fault code, show its definition on the screen instantly, troubleshooting to find the root causes of problems, erase the engine fault code and turn off the MIL (Malfunction Indicator Light). Similar to a fixd car diagnostic tool, this car code reader helps ensure your engine stays in top condition.
- 【READ/CLEAR CODES & DTC LOOKUP】- No search online & saving your time, this vehicle car code reader retrieves generic (P0, P2, P3, and U0), manufacturer specific (P1, P3, and U1) codes, pending codes and displays DTC definitions based on the built-in database(more than 3000 codes) on the TFT screen, find out the root causes and clear the codes after fixed.
- 【ENHANCED OBD2 SCANNER WITH LIVE DATA & RETRIEVE FREEZE FRAME】 - This diagnostic scan tool for accurate diagnosis enables you to retrieve data from vehicle sensors, such as Engine RPM, Intake air temperature, Short/Long term fuel, Misfire data and etc. The freeze frame is stored in the PCM together with the diagnostic trouble code (DTC) related to the fault. Comparable to a fixd car diagnostic tool, the VD10 car code reader car scanner can be a valuable & practical diagnostic aid and also greatly help when diagnosing intermittent problems.
- 【I/M READINESS for THE S-nn-0-g CHECK】- OBDII vehicle may not pass the annual inspection unless the required monitors since reset are complete. So you should at least read the readiness monitors and make sure they are ready. This car obd2 scanner diagnostic tool is equipped with I/M readiness function to check the operations of the e-m-issi0n system on OBD2 compliant vehicles, run I/M monitor readiness test, checking if the pass vehicle s-m-0-g inspection.
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.
