V2X Security Module GBA-Based Initial Provisioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing initial security provisioning methods for Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) terminal devices lack a specific scheme, leading to unreliable message transmission and information security risks due to the absence of a defined process for initial security provisioning, particularly in Chinese domestic auto brands which face high costs and challenges in creating a secure production environment.

Innovation Solution

An initial security provisioning method and security module that utilize the Generic Bootstrapping Architecture (GBA) to establish a secure channel between the V2X terminal device and the Enrollment Certificate Authority (ECA) server, using the Universal Subscriber Identity Module (USIM) for identity authentication and key generation, enabling secure configuration without relying on a pre-configured secure production environment, thereby reducing costs and enhancing security.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the manner of filling on production line is used for initial security provisioning, then the security of key and certificate configuration is improved, but the production cost and complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity of key and certificate configurationVSAvoidproduction line complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The V2X terminal device performs self-provisioning of security parameters by autonomously establishing a TLS secure channel with the ECA server and obtaining certificates without external intervention. The device uses GBA authentication to securely obtain session keys and completes the entire certificate acquisition process independently, eliminating the need for manual filling operations on production lines.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The ECA server acts as an intermediary between the V2X terminal device and the certificate authority. It receives certificate application requests from devices, verifies them through GBA authentication, and issues certificates securely. This intermediary mechanism enables automated secure provisioning without requiring complex production line infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of manufacture

If the 5GAA GBA solution is used for initial security provisioning, then the production cost is reduced by avoiding production line filling, but the information security reliability deteriorates due to lack of specific implementation scheme

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction costVSAvoidinformation security reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent specifies concrete parameter settings and cryptographic algorithms for the GBA-based provisioning process, including defining the TLS protocol version, cipher suites, and key derivation functions. By standardizing these parameters, the solution transforms the abstract 5GAA concept into a reliable implementable process that maintains both low cost and high security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The V2X terminal device pre-configures necessary security parameters and establishes GBA authentication credentials before the actual certificate application process. This preliminary preparation ensures that when the device needs to obtain certificates, it can immediately establish secure channels without requiring complex real-time security infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Device complexity

If TLS secure channel ends in HSM on V2X terminal device, then the security provisioning process is simplified, but security risks increase due to potential leakage of session keys

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity provisioning process complexityVSAvoidsecurity risk of session key leakage
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the session key generation and storage function from the HSM and places it in the USIM card. The TLS secure channel now ends in the USIM rather than the HSM, separating the key management function from the general security module. This extraction reduces the attack surface and prevents potential leakage of session keys that would occur if the HSM were compromised.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The solution uses ephemeral session keys generated through GBA authentication that are short-lived and discarded after use. Rather than relying on long-term keys stored in HSM, the system uses temporary keys for each TLS connection, reducing the impact of potential key leakage and eliminating the need for complex key management in the HSM.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Data Source

PatentEP4068834B1Initial security configuration method, security module, and terminal
Publication Date: 2025.01.01 CHINA MOBILE COMM GRP CO LTD
  • EP4068834B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP4068834B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP4068834B1 patent drawingFigure 6A

AI summary

The present disclosure provides an initial security configuration method, a security module, and a terminal. The initial security configuration method, applied to a security module, comprising: when GBA authentication between a terminal and a network side device is completed, receiving a certificate application request sent from the terminal, the certificate application request carrying identification information of the terminal; performing encryption and/or integrity protection on a certificate application request message on the basis of a session key negotiated by GBA authentication; feeding back a certificate application response to the terminal, the certificate application response carrying the certificate application request message subjected to encryption and/or integrity protection; wherein the security module is configured to implement the function of a USIM.