Why Pentest the Vehicle & CAN BUS?

Performing penetration testing on vehicles and their CAN (Controller Area Network) bus systems is critical to ensuring the safety, integrity, and security of modern automotive systems that increasingly rely on interconnected electronic components. As vehicles become more connected—through infotainment systems, telematics, and remote diagnostics—they also become more exposed to cyber threats that could enable attackers to manipulate critical functions like braking, steering, or acceleration. Using tools like CANalyze, SavvyCAN, USpy, and Wireshark, along with techniques such as fuzzing, packet injection, and bus sniffing, testers can uncover vulnerabilities in the vehicle's internal communication protocols. Standards such as UNECE WP.29, ISO/SAE 21434, and guidelines from AUTO-ISAC provide frameworks for securing automotive systems through structured testing and risk management. By identifying and mitigating these risks early, automotive manufacturers can prevent catastrophic failures, comply with international regulations, and ensure user safety in the face of evolving cyber threats.