LIN-MM: Multiplexed Message Authentication Code for Local Interconnect Network message authentication in road vehicles

TL;DR

This paper introduces LINMM, a novel multiplexed MAC scheme for LIN networks in vehicles, enhancing message authentication while maintaining compatibility with existing LIN standards.

Contribution

LINMM is the first approach to multiplex MAC data with LIN signals, enabling secure message authentication without protocol modifications.

Findings

LINMM achieves secure message authentication in LIN networks.

The scheme maintains full compatibility with all LIN protocol versions.

Experimental results demonstrate effective protection against cyberattacks.

Abstract

The automotive market is profitable for cyberattacks with the constant shift toward interconnected vehicles. Electronic Control Units (ECUs) installed on cars often operate in a critical and hostile environment. Hence, both carmakers and governments have supported initiatives to mitigate risks and threats belonging to the automotive domain. The Local Interconnect Network (LIN) is one of the most used communication protocols in the automotive field. Today's LIN buses have just a few light security mechanisms to assure integrity through Message Authentication Codes (MAC). However, several limitations with strong constraints make applying those techniques to LIN networks challenging, leaving several vehicles still unprotected. This paper presents LIN Multiplexed MAC (LINMM), a new approach for exploiting signal modulation to multiplex MAC data with standard LIN communication. LINMM allows for transmitting MAC payloads, maintaining fullback compatibility with all versions of the standard LIN protocol.