UC San Diego Researchers Uncover Bluetooth Vulnerability in Karr Car Alarms, Raising Security Concerns
Researchers at UC San Diego have identified a significant security vulnerability in Karr car alarm systems, which are installed in approximately 2 million vehicles across the United States. This flaw allows unauthorized individuals to exploit the system via Bluetooth to unlock car doors, disable ignitions, and perform other unauthorized actions. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because many car owners may not be aware that their vehicles are equipped with Karr alarms, as some dealers install these systems as a loss prevention measure without the buyer's explicit consent. Karr has responded by releasing a firmware update to address the issue, which can be installed through a smartphone app. However, the update took 18 months to develop, and experts warn that the threat remains significant for vehicles that have not yet received the update.