Vehicle Gateway Dynamic Key Generation for Secure Communication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Recent vehicles face security threats due to hacking through communication ports other than the OBD port, particularly with the integration of IP technologies, as existing cryptographic techniques are not sufficient to prevent unauthorized access and data wiretapping.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that dynamically generates a new public key for each network and a new ID for each controller upon vehicle startup, using a vehicle gateway to encrypt messages and maintain secure communication by updating routing tables and using ghost messages to randomize ID allocation, thereby enhancing security without altering message priorities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If symmetric cryptographic techniques are used for communication between controllers, then operation speed is improved, but security is worsened due to vulnerability to hacking through communication ports

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation speedVSAvoidsecurity
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic key generation where cryptographic keys are continuously changed based on ignition cycles and message counters. Instead of using static symmetric keys, the system generates new public key pairs for each ignition cycle and updates encryption keys with each message transmission, making the cryptographic system adaptive and resistant to wiretapping while maintaining communication speed through efficient key management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes cryptographic parameters dynamically by generating different key pairs for each ignition cycle and updating encryption keys based on message counters. The system transitions from fixed cryptographic parameters to variable ones that change with each communication session, thereby enhancing security while preserving operational efficiency through structured key rotation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If authentication procedures are implemented for external diagnostic devices, then security is improved, but device complexity is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoidauthentication procedure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal authentication framework that handles multiple authentication scenarios (external diagnostic devices, controller-to-controller communication, gateway authentication) through a single standardized public key infrastructure. This multi-functional authentication system manages different authentication requirements using consistent cryptographic principles, reducing overall system complexity despite enhanced security capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If communication ports are expanded for enhanced functionality, then versatility is improved, but security is worsened due to increased hacking vulnerability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication functionalityVSAvoidsecurity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the communication system into multiple isolated networks (CAN, LIN, Ethernet, FlexRay) with dedicated gateways for each. Each network segment has its own cryptographic key pairs and authentication mechanisms, preventing lateral movement of attackers. This segmentation allows diverse communication functionalities while containing security risks within individual network segments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces gateways as intermediary devices that mediate communication between different networks and external devices. These gateways implement authentication and encryption, acting as security buffers that protect the internal vehicle network while enabling versatile external communication through standardized interfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS9992178B2Method, apparatus and system for dynamically controlling secure vehicle communication based on ignition
Publication Date: 2018.06.05 HYUNDAI MOTOR CO LTD
  • US9992178B2 patent drawing
  • US9992178B2 patent drawing
  • US9992178B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method of controlling secure vehicle communication in a vehicle gateway includes: detecting whether a vehicle is started; generating a new public key for each network connected to the vehicle gateway for message encryption upon detecting that the vehicle is started; transmitting a first message including the new public key; allocating a new identification (ID) to each controller connected to the vehicle gateway with reference to a stored routing table for message routing between controllers upon detecting that the vehicle is started; and transmitting a second message including the new ID.