A yet-to-be-released feature in Waymo’s app, which let an adept security researcher modify the top – or ‘dome’ – display of a Waymo robotaxi, was recently uncovered. The researcher, Jane Manchun Wong, showcased this stealth feature via a quirky display of her Twitter handle and a few innocuous text strings and emojis on a robotaxi’s display.
Through the mere manipulation of the Waymo mobile app on her Android smartphone, Wong was able to alter the self-driven Jaguar I-Pace dome’s characters. “No ‘jailbreaking’ or ‘rooting’ the car; all I did was tweak the Car ID beyond its standard acceptance limits – a rather innocuous action,” said Wong.
Waymo, needless to say, quickly curtailed the use of this utility as news of this broke out. Wong noticed her inability to amend the Car ID, and an affirmation soon came from Waymo spokesperson Sandy Karp. “Jane uncovered an upcoming feature owing to her comprehensive Android knowledge. We have restricted the dome display features access,” recounted Karp.
The purpose of Waymo’s dome is not just facilitating vehicle identification, day and night, especially in situations involving multiple Waymos. It is also a communication medium for pedestrians, notifying them about the car making way or any impending door opening by a passenger. Not to mention its marketing utility.
Original source: Read the full article on TechCrunch
