CANTrack: Enhancing automotive CAN bus security using intuitive encryption algorithms

Abstract

In this paper, the proposed CANTrack solution is described and its implementation is thoroughly explained. CANTrack is a sophisticated Computer Aided Design (CAD) tool that supports the entire development process for automotive networked systems. CANTrack differentiates itself from other competitive tools; by not only supporting planning, development, testing and finally starting-up; but also incorporating the unique features of CAN bus security enhancement and tool customization upon customer needs. The Controller Area Network (CAN) bus security feature is implemented using an intuitive algorithm that encrypts the 8-byte payload data using a symmetric key that is being dynamically changed using synchronized key generators across all nodes. This algorithm makes the encrypted message unique at any instance of time to avoid replay attacks. The algorithm is tested thoroughly on an experimental setup using Vector Canoe; with the results of two use cases presented.