Train manufacturer intentionally bricks trains serviced by independent service providers - eviltoast
q3k :blobcatcoffee: (@q3k@hackerspace.pl)
social.hackerspace.pl
Attached: 1 image I can finally reveal some research I've been involved with over the past year or so. We (@redford@infosec.exchange, @mrtick@infosec.exchange and I) have reverse engineered the PLC code of NEWAG Impuls EMUs. These trains were locking up for arbitrary reasons after being serviced at third-party workshops. The manufacturer argued that this was because of malpractice by these workshops, and that they should be serviced by them instead of third parties. 1/4

Polish train manufacturer that lost servicing tender programmed train controller to brick itself after train stays for some time in 6 ISP facilities or in 1 their faculity(for testing?) until undocumented button combination is pressed. Some controller versions brick itself after train is idle for 10 days. After news about this became public, manufacturer removed ability to unlock train by button combination.

Also manufacturer is able to remotely brick train over internet(connected via GSM) at any time.

Full versions: Polish(original), Russian

  • ltxrtquq@lemmy.mlEnglish
    8·
    1 year ago

    I think that’s the point: that a state-owned operation wouldn’t brick their own products because they’re afraid of losing money