Wireless Disruption of CCS Electric Vehicle Charging: BROKENWIRE Attack

Core Concepts

The BROKENWIRE attack disrupts CCS EV charging, posing significant security risks.

Abstract

The article introduces the BROKENWIRE attack, targeting the Combined Charging System (CCS) for EVs. It disrupts charging sessions wirelessly, affecting millions of EVs worldwide. The attack exploits CSMA/CA behavior, causing charging sessions to abort, impacting various vehicle types beyond passenger cars. Real-world testing confirms the attack's effectiveness, even against liquid-cooled cables. Mitigation strategies are discussed to address the vulnerabilities.

Stats

The attack requires less than 1 W of power budget to be successful.
The attack can work at ranges up to 47 m.
The attack can disrupt communication between EV and charger, causing charging sessions to abort.
The attack can be conducted wirelessly with off-the-shelf radio hardware.
The attack exploits the susceptibility of PLC to intentional electromagnetic interference.

Quotes

"The attack requires only temporary physical proximity and can be conducted wirelessly from a distance."
"The attack has immediate implications for millions of battery EVs on the roads worldwide."
"The attack exploits the combination of susceptibility of PLC to intentional electromagnetic interference."

Key Insights Distilled From

Brokenwire

by Seba... at arxiv.org 03-27-2024

https://arxiv.org/pdf/2202.02104.pdf

Deeper Inquiries

How can the automotive industry enhance the security of EV charging infrastructure?

The automotive industry can enhance the security of EV charging infrastructure by implementing several measures:

Encryption and Authentication: Implementing strong encryption protocols and robust authentication mechanisms can help secure the communication between electric vehicles (EVs) and charging stations. This can prevent unauthorized access and tampering with the charging process.

Intrusion Detection Systems: Installing intrusion detection systems can help identify and respond to any unauthorized attempts to disrupt the charging process. These systems can detect anomalies in communication patterns and alert operators to potential security threats.

Firmware Updates and Patch Management: Regularly updating the firmware of EVs and charging stations can help address known vulnerabilities and ensure that the systems are protected against the latest security threats.

Physical Security Measures: Implementing physical security measures, such as surveillance cameras, access control systems, and tamper-evident seals, can help prevent physical attacks on charging infrastructure.

Security Audits and Penetration Testing: Conducting regular security audits and penetration testing can help identify weaknesses in the EV charging infrastructure and address them before they are exploited by malicious actors.

How can advancements in V2G communication impact the vulnerability of EV charging systems?

Advancements in Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) communication can impact the vulnerability of EV charging systems in the following ways:

Increased Attack Surface: V2G communication expands the attack surface of EV charging systems by enabling bidirectional communication between vehicles and the grid. This introduces new entry points for potential attackers to exploit.

Complexity of Communication: V2G communication involves complex interactions between EVs, charging stations, and the grid. This complexity can introduce vulnerabilities that attackers may exploit to disrupt the charging process or gain unauthorized access to the grid.

Grid Stability Concerns: As EVs become more integrated into the grid for V2G services, the stability and reliability of the grid become dependent on the security of EV charging systems. Any vulnerabilities in V2G communication could potentially impact the stability of the grid.

Need for Secure Protocols: With V2G communication, there is a need for secure protocols and standards to ensure the integrity and confidentiality of data exchanged between EVs and the grid. Implementing robust security measures is essential to mitigate the risks associated with V2G communication.

What are the potential legal implications of such attacks on EV charging networks?

The potential legal implications of attacks on EV charging networks can include:

Liability Issues: If an attack on an EV charging network results in damage to vehicles, charging stations, or the grid, there may be liability issues. Determining responsibility for the attack and its consequences could lead to legal disputes between stakeholders.

Regulatory Compliance: Attacks on EV charging networks may raise concerns about regulatory compliance. Companies operating charging infrastructure may be required to adhere to specific cybersecurity standards and regulations, and failing to protect against attacks could result in regulatory penalties.

Data Privacy Violations: Attacks on EV charging networks could compromise the privacy of EV owners' data, such as charging history and location information. Violations of data privacy regulations could lead to legal action and fines.

Business Interruption: Disruption of EV charging services due to attacks could result in financial losses for charging network operators and inconvenience for EV owners. Legal action could be taken to recover damages caused by business interruption.

Criminal Charges: Perpetrators of attacks on EV charging networks could face criminal charges for unauthorized access, data theft, or sabotage. Law enforcement agencies may investigate and prosecute individuals involved in such attacks.