Vulnerability Analysis of Time Synchronization in Automotive Ethernet

Abstract: The operation of many network communication protocols require accurate time synchronization between nodes. In the automotive space, IEEE 802.3bw (commonly referred to as automotive ethernet) is quickly becoming the most popular in-vehicle communication protocol between electronic control units (ECUs). The rapid advance of autonomous vehicles is predicated on a high throughput of multiple HD video streams, LIDAR readings, ML inferences, and vehicular control signals propagating on the same bus. To ensure reliability, security, and safety, for millions of passengers and bystanders, it is essential that the stack is robust at even the lowest level. The time synchronization protocol in this standard is IEEE 802.1 AS which was initially developed for virtual and virtual bridge local area networks (LANs). This paper presents an analysis of failure modes affecting the ability of in-vehicle automotive ethernet networks to synchronize clocks between ECUs. To demonstrate this, we use the OMNet++ discrete event simulator to showcase normal operation, failover to the hot-standby clock, and a black hole attack on one network switch.