Vehicle ECU Memory Locking for Software Tamper Mitigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting and mitigating software manipulation in vehicle systems are complex and time-consuming, leading to potential disruptions in vehicle operation and safety, as they often require significant time to reset manipulated software components.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and system that recognizes software manipulation in vehicle components, initiates a countermeasure by activating write locks or read locks on memory, and includes a central device to mitigate software manipulation across multiple components, allowing for quicker and more efficient remediation of software issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If software manipulation is detected and mitigated using conventional methods (resetting software or requesting remote software), then the manipulation is remedied, but significant time delays occur and vehicle operation is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by activating write locks and read locks on memory components before the manipulation can be executed or repeated. This preventive locking mechanism is established in advance, so when manipulation is detected, the countermeasure is already in place or can be activated immediately, eliminating the time delay associated with conventional reset methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by allowing the vehicle's own memory components to enforce protection through built-in write locks and read locks. When manipulation is detected, the system can autonomously activate these locks without requiring external intervention (such as visiting a repair shop or requesting remote software), thus resolving the issue quickly and independently.
2Reliability
If software manipulation is detected and mitigated by resetting software or requesting remote software, then the manipulation is remedied, but vehicle operation is disrupted and safety criteria may not be met
Solution Approach 1:
By establishing write locks and read locks as preliminary protective measures, the system ensures that when manipulation is detected, the memory is already protected and can be quickly restored without disrupting vehicle operation. The locks prevent further manipulation while allowing legitimate operations to continue, maintaining safety criteria and operational continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system's ability to autonomously activate locks and maintain operation demonstrates self-service. The vehicle can handle software manipulation incidents independently without requiring external assistance, ensuring continuous operation and meeting safety criteria throughout the mitigation process.
3Reliability
If write locks and read locks are activated on memory components, then re-manipulation is prevented and security is enhanced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The memory components themselves provide the locking mechanism through built-in write locks and read locks. This self-service approach means the complexity is inherent in the memory hardware rather than requiring additional external security systems. The locks are activated and managed autonomously by the system, enhancing security without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented method. The method includes recognizing the possibility of a manipulation of the software of a first component of a plurality of components of a vehicle electrical system of a vehicle, initiating a countermeasure for mitigating the manipulation of the software of the first component, and carrying out the countermeasure for mitigating the manipulation of the software of the first component. The countermeasure includes activating a write lock and/or read lock of a memory of the first component. In some examples, the recognition and the initiation may be carried out in a central device for mitigating a manipulation of software. The central device for mitigating a manipulation is part of the vehicle electrical system and is designed to mitigate a manipulation of software in each component of the plurality of components of the vehicle electrical system.