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Researchers won $886,250 for 49 zero-days at Pwn2Own Automotive 2025, held in Tokyo from January 22–24. The demonstrations targeted electric-vehicle chargers, in-vehicle infotainment systems, and Automotive Grade Linux. Sina Kheirkhah of Summoning Team took the Master of Pwn title with $222,250 and 30.5 points.
What happened at Pwn2Own Automotive 2025?
The second annual automotive edition of Pwn2Own took place at Automotive World in Tokyo, January 22–24, 2025. Competitors demonstrated vulnerabilities against designated automotive products and software. Trend Micro’s Zero Day Initiative (ZDI) reported $886,250 awarded for 49 zero-days over the three-day competition. Trend Micro’s retrospective also describes the event as rewarding 49 unique zero-days.
The contest covered three target categories: electric-vehicle chargers, in-vehicle infotainment (IVI), and operating systems. A successful demonstration could earn a cash award and points toward Master of Pwn. Results also identify collisions, where a demonstrated issue was already known, so not every successful-looking entry represents a distinct new zero-day.
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1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsWho won Master of Pwn?
Sina Kheirkhah (@SinSinology) of Summoning Team won Master of Pwn with 30.5 points and $222,250, according to ZDI’s final results. That is the event’s top individual result; the $886,250 total covers all awards.
#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
Which products and systems were targets?
The official contest targets included these specific devices and software. Their inclusion means researchers attempted exploits against them at the event; it is not an endorsement or a broad assessment of every product from the manufacturer.
| Category | Named targets |
|---|---|
| EV chargers | Autel MaxiCharger AC Wallbox Commercial; ChargePoint Home Flex; Phoenix Contact CHARX SEC-3150; Ubiquiti Connect EV Station; WOLFBOX Level 2 EV Charger; Tesla Wall Connector |
| In-vehicle infotainment | Alpine iLX-507; Kenwood DMX958XR; Sony XAV-AX8500 |
| Operating system | Automotive Grade Linux |
The schedule divided attempts among those three categories. For details on the event format and targets, see ZDI’s Pwn2Own Automotive 2025 schedule and targets.
Rank #2
- [Easy to Use—Work Out of the Box] + [FOXWELL 2026 New Version] FOXWELL NT604 Elite scan tool is the 2026 new version from FOXWELL, designed for car owners who want to figure out the cause of issues before fixing car problems by scanning common systems like ABS, SRS, engine, and transmission. The NT604 Elite obd2 scanner diagnostic tool comes with the latest software—no need to waste time downloading software first. Plug the scanner into the OBDII port with OBDII cable to start the diagnosis.
- [Affordable] + [Reliable Car Health Monitor] Will you be confused what happens when the warning light of ABS/SRS/transmission/check engine flashes? Instead of taking your cars to dealership, this FOXWELL scanner will help you do a thorough scanning and detection for your cars and pinpoint the root cause. Note：The device is a diagnostic tool, not a repair tool. To turn off a warning light, you must first physically repair the issue causing it. Only then can the scanner be used to clear the corresponding fault code.
- [5 in 1 Car Diagnostic Scanner] Compared with obd scanners (50-100), NT604 Elite code scanner not only includes their OBDII diagnosis but also serves as ABS/SRS scanner, transmission and check engine code reader. When it’s an odb2 scanner, you can use it to check if your car is ready for annual test through I/M readiness menu. In addition, live data stream, built-in DTC library, data play back and print, all these features are a big plus for it. Note: doesn't support maintenance functions like reset or relearn. For the SRS system, NT604 Elite can read and clear common fault codes not caused by a crash, but crash/collision data cannot be cleared.
- [Fantastic AUTOVIN] + [No extra software fee] Through the AUTOVIN menu, this NT604 Elite car scanner allows you to get your V-IN and vehicle info rapidly, no need to take time to find your V-IN and input one by one. What's more, the NT604 Elite ABS SRS scanner supports 60+ car brands from worldwide (America/Asia/Europe). You don’t need to pay extra software fee. AUTOVIN may not work on some older vehicles or certain vehicle brands. If AUTOVIN fails, please input the vin code manually or go to the Diagnostic Menu to select your vehicle model.
- [Solid protective case KO plastic carrying bag] + [Lifetime update] Almost all same price-level car scanner diagnostic tool only offers plastic bag to hold the scanner.However, NT604 Elite automotive scanner is equipped with solid protective case, preventing your obd2 scanner from damage. Then you don’t need to pay extra money to buy a solid toolbox.
What kinds of vulnerabilities did researchers demonstrate?
The results show a range of bug types rather than one universal route into a vehicle system. Some demonstrations combined multiple flaws, and some used a physical charging connector to transmit signals.
- Buffer overflows: Researchers reported stack-based and heap-based overflows against Alpine infotainment and Autel charger targets, among others.
- OS command injection: Viettel and other entries demonstrated this vulnerability class against the Kenwood IVI target.
- Integer overflow: Entries targeted Sony XAV-AX8500, including a final-day demonstration.
- Hard-coded cryptographic key: A Ubiquiti Connect EV Station result involved a key embedded in the system.
- Origin-validation error: A Phoenix Contact CHARX SEC-3150 result involved insufficient validation of an origin.
- Multi-bug chains: Researchers combined multiple flaws against targets including the Phoenix Contact charger, Ubiquiti charger, and Automotive Grade Linux.
For example, Synacktiv combined a stack buffer overflow with a known OCPP bug against ChargePoint and manipulated signals through the charging connector. Another Autel demonstration transmitted signals through the connector as part of a buffer-overflow exploit. These are demonstrations of contest techniques, not evidence that every charger or installation is exposed in the same way.
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
How should you read “success,” “collision,” and “zero-day” in the results?
ZDI’s official results distinguish entries labeled “SUCCESS,” “SUCCESS/COLLISION,” and “COLLISION.” A collision means the demonstrated vulnerability overlapped with a bug already known to the contest organizers or vendor process; it should not be counted as an entirely new flaw. The combined label indicates a result with both a successful demonstration and a collision element. A unique zero-day, by contrast, is a previously unknown vulnerability rewarded as a new finding.
The headline total of 49 is the reported number of zero-days rewarded across the competition. To compare individual attempts, use the status shown in the official results rather than assuming that every exploit demonstration was novel. The event material also records failures, so a product’s appearance on the target list alone does not imply a successful exploit.
Rank #4
- 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.
What does this event establish about automotive cybersecurity?
Pwn2Own provides a snapshot of vulnerabilities researchers could demonstrate against selected products under contest conditions. The findings show that weaknesses can occur across charging equipment, infotainment units, and automotive operating-system software, and that exploit chains may combine several bugs or depend on a physical interface.
Recommended Free Tools
The contest results do not, by themselves, establish how widely a flaw is deployed, whether a particular vehicle or charger installation is affected, or whether a vulnerability is being exploited outside the event. Owners and operators should rely on vendor security advisories and applicable firmware updates for product-specific guidance; the contest summary is not a substitute for those notices.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 【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
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.
