Researchers Crack Tesla Autopilot with ‘Elon Mode,’ Access Critical Data

Researchers at TU Berlin demonstrated a lab-based exploit that roots Tesla's autopilot hardware using inexpensive tools, allowing extraction of cryptographic keys, deleted GPS video, and activation of an undocumented "Elon mode" which could enable premium features and disable safety functionality; findings were presented at the Chaos Computer Club congress and reportedly performed in a controlled environment with no evidence of real-world exploitation.