ArsTechinca has an article about a new system created by a researcher that exploits weaknesses in the DSMx control protocol that allows them to take over a remotely controlled drone.
Now, a researcher has demonstrated a significantly more subtle and proactive remedy that doesn't involve shotgun blasts or after-the-fact arrests by law enforcement. It's a radio transmitter that seizes complete control of nearby drones as they're in mid-flight. From then on, the drones are under the full control of the person with the hijacking device. The remote control in the possession of the original operator experiences a loss of all functions, including steering, acceleration, and altitude. The hack works against any drone that communicates over DSMx, a widely used remote control protocol for operating hobbyist drones, planes, helicopters, cars, and boats.
Now that the information is out there I would expect to see DIY versions of this on hackaday pretty soon.
(Score: 2) by t-3 on Friday October 28 2016, @12:44PM
Is this the same kind of protocol researchers have been using for demonstrating takeovers on cars? If so, has anything been done to improve it or are there holes waiting to be exploited?