Vehicle Local Time Validation for Secure OTA Updates
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Solution Overview
Problem
In secure software operations for vehicles, the lack of reliable time information can prevent the execution of secure operations, and existing methods are vulnerable to tampering when relying on remote time sources, leading to reduced system usability and security.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilize a short-range digital communication network to receive a local-time value from nearby hardware processors, compute a semi-reliable local-time value, and execute secure operations only after applying tests to this value, thereby increasing security and usability by reducing the likelihood of tampering and dependency on remote time sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the system uses remote time sources for secure operations, then time information can be obtained, but the system becomes vulnerable to tampering and security attacks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a local time source as an intermediary between the secure operation module and external time sources. This local time source receives time information from remote sources but validates it against locally stored reference time data before use, thereby mediating the security risk of remote time sources while maintaining their functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-stores reference time information in secure local memory before needing it for validation. This beforehand preparation creates a cushion of trusted time data that can be used to verify remote time sources, preventing tampering attacks by having predetermined reference values to compare against
2Reliability
If the system requires verified time information for secure operations, then security is maintained, but usability decreases when time sources are unavailable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a tiered time validation approach where the system first attempts to use verified remote time sources, but falls back to local time sources with reduced validation when remote sources are unavailable. This partial application of strict time verification maintains security when possible while enabling operation when necessary
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the time verification parameters based on availability. When remote time sources are accessible, strict verification against external references is applied. When unavailable, the system transitions to using local time sources with adjusted verification thresholds, allowing secure operations to continue with modified time accuracy requirements
3Ease of operation
If the system uses local time sources without validation, then usability is maintained, but accuracy and security decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where local time sources are continuously compared against stored reference time data. When discrepancies exceed predefined thresholds, the system generates alerts or adjusts operation parameters, providing feedback that maintains accuracy awareness while allowing continuous operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary validation of local time sources by comparing them against pre-stored reference time information before using them for secure operations. This preliminary check ensures that even unvalidated local time sources meet minimum accuracy criteria, maintaining both usability and acceptable precision
Data Source
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AI summary
A vehicle comprising at least one short-range digital communication network interface (local-network interface) and at least one hardware processor is disclosed. The hardware processor is configured to respond to a request for a verified local-time value by receiving at least one local-time value from at least one other hardware processor via the local-network interface when failing to access a reliable time source. The hardware processor then computes a semi-reliable local-time value using the at least one local-time value and executes at least one secure operation subject to an outcome of at least one test applied to the semi-reliable local-time value.