SoK: Stealing Cars Since Remote Keyless Entry Introduction and How to Defend From It

Explore a comprehensive systematization of knowledge on Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) and Passive Keyless Entry and Start (PKES) systems in this 15-minute conference presentation from VehicleSec '25. Delve into the ongoing security challenges that have plagued automotive remote entry systems since their introduction, as researchers from the University of Padova and Delft University of Technology present the first comprehensive SOK on RKE systems. Examine the historical evolution of these technologies from legacy systems to modern web-based implementations, understanding how thieves and researchers continuously engage in a cat-and-mouse game of exploitation and defense. Learn about various attack methodologies including Relay attacks, RollJam, and emerging API vulnerabilities that target vehicle manufacturers' technologies. Discover current defense mechanisms and their effectiveness against both traditional and novel attack vectors. Gain insights into the research questions that drive the evolution and security assessment of RKE systems, while exploring future research directions that could help security researchers and automotive companies develop viable solutions to address persistent vulnerabilities in vehicle remote entry systems.