ESP32 Tap Reveals ARINC 429 Vulnerability in Airliners
Researchers show a ground-access PoC that taps ARINC 429 avionics with an ESP32 plugged into a Boeing 737’s maintenance port, able to freeze or overwrite the MCDU display and alter FMC data, potentially reprogramming autopilot. While pilots still retain control, the proof-of-concept highlights serious security risks in airliner avionics and the need for tighter physical access controls.