Blockchain Integrity Checks for Vehicle Software Tampering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Software and data stored on vehicles are vulnerable to unauthorized access and tampering, which can lead to abnormal vehicle operation and compromised missions, as existing integrity verification methods are inadequate.
Innovation Solution
A blockchain-based integrity check system that uses hash values from a computing device to verify the integrity of software and data by comparing them with values stored in a distributed ledger system, suspending operations if discrepancies are found, and registering hash values to the blockchain for secure validation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional integrity verification methods are used, then the system is simpler to implement, but the security and reliability against tampering is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a blockchain-based intermediary system that mediates between the vehicle's software/data and the verification authority. The blockchain serves as a trusted third party that stores hash values and provides cryptographic proof of integrity, eliminating the need for complex centralized verification infrastructure while significantly enhancing security against tampering.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates cryptographic copies (hash values) of software and data that are stored on the blockchain. These hash copies serve as immutable references that can be verified without accessing the original data, providing a lightweight yet secure verification mechanism that balances simplicity with high reliability.
2Measurement precision
If hash values are continuously verified against the blockchain, then detection of tampering is more accurate, but the computational overhead and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential verification element (hash value comparison) from the full integrity verification process. By comparing only hash values rather than verifying entire software binaries, the system achieves high tampering detection accuracy while minimizing computational energy consumption to just hashing and comparison operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the verification parameter from full software verification to hash value verification. This parameter transformation maintains precise tampering detection (since any modification changes the hash) while dramatically reducing computational requirements, as hashing is much more efficient than full binary analysis.
3Reliability
If the system suspends operations upon detecting hash mismatches, then vehicle safety is improved, but operational productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by proactively suspending operations before compromised software can cause harm. The hash verification occurs before execution, and suspicious operations are preemptively blocked, preventing potential security incidents rather than responding to them after occurrence, thus maintaining both safety and efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where hash verification results directly control operational state. When integrity is confirmed, normal operations proceed; when tampering is detected, operations are suspended. This closed-loop feedback ensures safety-critical decisions are made automatically based on real-time integrity status, balancing safety requirements with operational continuity.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, apparatuses, and methods are described for determining, based on blockchain, integrity of software and/or data stored on a vehicle. A computing device associated with a vehicle may determine one or more hash values for software and/or data stored on the vehicle. The computing device may receive values from read-only memory associated with the computing device and/or values from a blockchain of a distributed ledger system. The computing device may determine the integrity of the software and/or data based on the one or more hash values, the values from the read-only memory, and/or the values from the blockchain.