Coin-Sized Device Can Hack Boeing Airplanes, Say Researchers

A team of researchers at the University of California San Diego and Oberlin College has discovered a critical vulnerability in Boeing's 737 aircraft, allowing hackers to potentially take control of the plane with just a coin-sized device.

The exploit involves making false representations about crucial flight data via display devices typically used in the cockpit. By plugging the device into the plane's belly, it takes less than 60 seconds for a hacker to gain access to critical systems.

The researchers found that the implant can override legitimate transmissions and allow hackers to re-route a plane in flight or modify data about weight, balance, and temperature. This could potentially sabotage take-offs or cause accidents.

Researchers warn that attackers could use this exploit for non-destructive attacks, such as redirecting a flight to detain a specific passenger, or making accidents seem like the pilot's fault.