Vehicle Function Actuation Control Against Relay Attacks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for accessing motor vehicle functions from outside are vulnerable to relay attacks, which can extend the radio range artificially, allowing unauthorized access to vehicle functions.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus comprising multiple transmission/reception devices and a control device that determines communication losses and acts to disable or enable vehicle functions accordingly, preventing unauthorized access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If transmission/reception devices are used to enable remote access to vehicle functions, then ease of operation is improved, but vulnerability to relay attacks increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control device performs preliminary verification by checking signal strength and communication quality before authorizing function actuation. This preliminary action detects potential relay attacks before they can compromise vehicle security, allowing legitimate remote access while blocking manipulated signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors communication signals and provides feedback by comparing expected signal characteristics with actual received signals. This feedback mechanism enables real-time detection of relay attacks and dynamic adjustment of access authorization, maintaining both ease of operation and security.
2Reliability
If motion sensors are used to detect user approach, then security against relay attacks is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates when authentication unit is unused
Solution Approach 1:
The control device serves multiple functions: it acts as a motion sensor alternative by analyzing signal characteristics, a security verification system through communication quality checks, and a normal access controller for legitimate operations. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate motion sensors while maintaining security and ensuring operation in all scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The transmission/reception devices and control system perform self-verification by autonomously analyzing their own communication signals for signs of relay attacks. This self-service capability removes the need for external motion sensors or manual activation checks, ensuring both security and continuous operability regardless of user presence or authentication unit status.
3Measurement precision
If multiple transmission/reception devices are deployed at different locations, then detection precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each transmission/reception device is designed to perform multiple functions: normal signal reception for legitimate access, signal strength measurement for security verification, and communication quality analysis for relay attack detection. This multi-functionality allows accurate manipulation detection using existing devices without requiring additional specialized components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses existing transmission/reception devices for their primary communication function while partially utilizing them for security verification through signal characteristic analysis. This partial action approach enables enhanced detection precision without the full complexity overhead of dedicated detection devices, as the same hardware performs both communication and security functions.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for actuating a function of a motor vehicle includes a first transmission/reception device arranged at a first location of the motor vehicle and configured to receive a functional signal for actuating a function of the motor vehicle from a functional device different from the motor vehicle. The apparatus also includes a control device in communication with the first transmission/reception device and configured to determine a communication loss of the first transmission/reception device and to actuate or disable the function based on the determination.