Simulation of attacks on CAN

• Grant number: 25/07355-6
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: August 01, 2025
• End date: July 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Computer Science - Computer Systems
• Principal Investigator: Kalinka Regina Lucas Jaquie Castelo Branco
• Grantee: Amanda Kasat Baltor
• Host Institution: Instituto de Ciências Matemáticas e de Computação (ICMC). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Carlos , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The Control Area Network (CAN) is a real-time communication protocol widely used in modern vehicles, allowing the exchange of information between different on-board electronic systems without the need for a central host. However, its lack of native encryption and authentication mechanisms makes it vulnerable to a series of cyberattacks. This work aims to simulate and evaluate several cyberattacks targeting the CAN module and other vulnerable components present in automobiles. The simulation will be carried out using an Arduino-based prototype, which will simulate the CAN module of a real automobile and the collected data will be analyzed to identify vulnerabilities and classify the types of attacks based on their difficulty of implementation and the risk posed to drivers and passengers. In this way, it is expected to contribute to the development of new security strategies for vehicles, in addition to providing relevant data that can be used in future research in the field of automotive cybersecurity. (AU)