Pwn2Own competition: hacking for a cash prize in Berlin
The Pwn2Own hacking competition is taking place in Berlin for the first time. Among other things, participants can try their hand at the new AI category.
(Image: FON's Fasai/Shutterstock.com)
Attention German IT security researchers: The Pwn2Own competition is coming to Berlin this May. Participants will exploit security vulnerabilities under certain rules within a time limit. If they succeed, they can win a cash prize. Details of the vulnerabilities will be kept under wraps until software providers have completed security updates. For the first time, participants will be able to exploit applications and tools in the AI context.
The initial Pwn2Own competition started in Vancouver in 2007. Since then, the event has toured the world and is now making its first stop in Berlin as part of OffensiveCon from May 15 to 17, 2025. However, the conference is already sold out, but the organizers of Pwn2Own assume in a post that tickets will be available again soon.
Vulnerabilities for money
The aim of the competition is to make devices and software more secure. Participants target security vulnerabilities in applications, operating systems and web browsers, among other things. This year, the total cash prize is set at 1 million US dollars.
E-cars are also in the spotlight. Tesla is a partner of the event and participants regularly exploit vulnerabilities in vehicles, for example. Last year, the organizers introduced the cloud-native/container category. This year, security researchers will be unleashed on AI tools for the first time. These include products from Chroma and Nvidia. If a participant manages to execute malicious code in this context, they can win a maximum of 40,000 US dollars.
Videos by heise
In addition to the cash reward, participants also collect “Master of Pwn” points so that an overall winning team can be chosen at the end. Interested parties can read the requirements and rules for the Pwn2Own edition in Berlin here.
(des)
