Vehicle Network Data Transmission Security via HSM Session Keys
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle network data transmission methods lack secure key management, as they rely on session keys generated without a hardware security module (HSM), leading to compromised confidentiality when the decryption key is leaked.
Innovation Solution
A system and method where a first hardware security module (HSM) generates a session key using a random number and a fixed key, allowing an electric control unit (ECU) to encrypt data, which is then decrypted by a second ECU using a session key generated by a second HSM, ensuring secure transmission even if the session key is leaked.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If session key is generated without hardware security module (HSM), then device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but confidentiality is compromised when the decryption key is leaked
Solution Approach 1:
A hardware security module (HSM) is introduced as an intermediary component between the ECU and the key management process. The HSM securely generates and manages session keys, acting as a trusted mediator that prevents direct exposure of cryptographic keys while enabling encryption/decryption operations. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining ease of operation through automated HSM-managed key generation while significantly improving confidentiality through hardware-based security.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements session keys with limited validity periods and scope, replacing long-term static keys with temporary session-specific keys. Each session key is generated anew for each communication session and discarded afterward, minimizing the window of vulnerability. This approach maintains operational simplicity while enhancing security by ensuring that even if a session key is compromised, the damage is limited to that specific session only.
2Reliability
If session key is leaked, then confidentiality is compromised, but using HSM to generate session key increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The HSM is configured to autonomously generate, manage, and rotate session keys without requiring manual intervention or complex external key management infrastructure. The ECU simply requests keys from the HSM, which handles all cryptographic operations independently. This self-service approach improves confidentiality through hardware security while minimizing the increase in device complexity by automating key management rather than requiring manual processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the key generation, storage, and management functions into a single integrated hardware security module that is closely coupled with the ECU. By combining these previously separate functions into one unified component, the system improves confidentiality through hardware protection while actually reducing overall device complexity by eliminating the need for separate key management systems, secure storage mechanisms, and manual key distribution infrastructure.
3Reliability
If encryption is implemented for all data transmission, then confidentiality is improved, but productivity decreases due to increased processing time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements selective encryption where only critical data fields or specific portions of messages are encrypted rather than encrypting entire data streams. The HSM generates session keys that are used to encrypt only the necessary sensitive information, leaving non-critical data in plaintext. This partial encryption approach maintains confidentiality for essential information while preserving data transmission speed and reducing processing overhead compared to full encryption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts encryption parameters such as key length, algorithm selection, and encryption scope based on the sensitivity and type of data being transmitted. For highly sensitive data, stronger encryption with longer keys is applied, while less sensitive data uses lighter encryption schemes. The HSM manages these parameter changes automatically, improving confidentiality where needed while maintaining productivity by avoiding unnecessary heavy encryption on all data.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for transmitting and receiving data based on a vehicle network and a method therefor are provided. The method includes generating, by a first hardware security module (HSM), a first session key using a first random number and a first fixed key and, encrypting, by a first electric control unit (ECU), a message using the first session. The method also includes generating, by a second HSM, a second session key using a second random number and a second fixed key, and decrypting, by a second ECU, the message using the second session key.