The allure of a cheap VCDS (Vross-Tech’s VAG-COM Diagnostic System) cable can be tempting, especially for budget-conscious car enthusiasts. However, navigating the world of “Vcds Pirate” cables can be a minefield. This article dissects the experience of testing two different counterfeit VCDS cables, highlighting the potential risks and limitations.
Inside the World of Counterfeit VCDS Cables
Two distinct VCDS pirate cables were purchased and analyzed: one based on the Atmega162 chip and another utilizing the STM32F405 chip. The Atmega162 cable, falsely advertised as a V2, was actually an older HEX-CAN cable. It required a separate loader program flagged as malicious by antivirus software. The cable itself functioned as a basic HEX-CAN interface. Images of the cable revealed its construction:
Interestingly, the genuine Ross-Tech HEX-CAN cable also uses the Atmega162 chip:
Due to the security risks associated with the malicious loader, using this type of VCDS pirate cable is strongly discouraged. Running it in a virtual machine might mitigate some risks, but it’s not a recommended solution.
The STM32F405 Cable: A Closer Look
The second cable, based on the STM32F405 chip—similar to the genuine VCDS V2—performed surprisingly well. It didn’t require a loader or modification of the VCDS software and functioned flawlessly with an active internet connection. Testing revealed faster logging speeds and improved overall performance compared to the genuine HEX-CAN cable. Images of this cable are shown below:
Further investigation involved extracting the STM32F405 chip and attempting to bypass its security protections:
A successful bypass was achieved, allowing for debugging and RAM dumping. A video demonstrating the process is available: https://youtu.be/4JFo23tYOq0
The Verdict on VCDS Pirate Cables
While the STM32F405 cable functioned well with VCDS 20.4.1 (unmodified version from Ross-Tech’s site), compatibility with future VCDS updates requiring firmware updates is uncertain. Ultimately, using a VCDS pirate cable is a gamble. It might work in the short term, but it carries security risks and lacks future-proofing. Investing in a genuine VCDS cable guarantees functionality, security, and access to the latest software and features. While budget constraints are understandable, the potential downsides of VCDS pirate cables should be carefully considered.
