Secure Remote Penetration Testing for Offline Embedded Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current penetration testing methods for computer resources, particularly in the automotive sector, are limited by late execution in the development cycle, high costs, reliance on expert availability, lack of operation tracking, and difficulty in accessing embedded systems without Internet connectivity, leading to inefficiencies and increased time and costs.
Innovation Solution
A system enabling remote penetration testing and validation of local embedded systems through a remote computing platform that connects authorized testers to local electronic units, allowing virtual access and management of tests, ensuring security, multiplexing, and reporting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If penetration tests are executed remotely on embedded systems without Internet connectivity, then accessibility to remote systems is improved, but system integrity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
A gateway device is introduced as an intermediary between the remote penetration testing system and the embedded system. The gateway establishes a secure communication channel that allows remote access while maintaining system integrity through authenticated connections and controlled data flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is divided into distinct functional modules: a penetration testing module, a gateway module, and an embedded system module. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function securely, with the gateway acting as a controlled interface that prevents direct unauthorized access to the embedded system.
2Productivity
If multiple parties connect to embedded systems simultaneously, then collaboration efficiency is improved, but resource sharing fairness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The gateway implements dynamic resource allocation that adjusts connection parameters, bandwidth allocation, and access priorities based on current system load and user requirements. This dynamic management allows multiple parties to collaborate simultaneously while maintaining fair resource distribution through real-time adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor resource usage by each connected party and adjust allocation accordingly. When one user consumes excessive resources, the system automatically adjusts their allocation to ensure other users receive adequate resources, maintaining overall system fairness and collaboration efficiency.
Data Source
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AI summary
A system (1) for allowing a penetration/validation tester (6, 7) to execute penetration tests on, and validate the cybersecurity of computer resources (4) of local embedded systems without Internet connectivity to be tested. The system (1) comprises one or more local electronic connectivity and processing units (3) each one designed to be connectable to one or more local embedded systems to be tested and to provide Internet connectivity to the local embedded systems to be tested to which it is connected; and a remote computing platform (2) designed to communicate with the local electronic connectivity and processing units (3) and to allow access to the remote computing platform (2) penetration/validation testers (6, 7) authorised to access the local embedded systems to be tested to allow the penetration/validation testers (6, 7) to execute penetration tests on, and validate the cybersecurity of, the computer resources (4) of the local embedded systems to be tested. A local electronic communication and processing unit (3) is designed to store and execute one or more embedded computing tools designed to perform respective automatic penetration tests on, and validate the cybersecurity of, the computing resources (4) of the embedded local systems to be tested which are connected to the local electronic communication and processing unit (3); and communicate with the remote computing platform (2) to allow penetration/validation testers (6, 7) authorised to access the embedded local systems to be tested connected to the local electronic communication and processing unit (3) to execute penetration tests on, and remotely validate the cybersecurity of, the computer resources (4) of the embedded local systems to be tested. The remote computing platform (2) is further designed to establish and manage secure connections between the local electronic connectivity and processing units (3) and penetration/validation testers (6, 7) authorized to access the local embedded systems to be tested connected to the local electronic connectivity and processing units (3) to allow penetration/validation testers (6, 7) to perform penetration tests on, and remotely validate the cybersecurity of the computer resources (4) of the local embedded systems to be tested, both through the embedded computing tools stored in the local electronic connectivity and processing units (3) and through proprietary computing tools of penetration/validation testers (6, 7).