Published Date: 2014-02-06
| Postmortem Analysis | |
|---|---|
| Timeline | 1. The software failure incident involving the hacking of a Jeep Cherokee by security researchers occurred in 2015 [112250]. 2. The software failure incident involving the Uconnect flaw in Fiat Chrysler's vehicles and subsequent recall happened in 2015 [45983]. 3. The software failure incident involving the hacking of car systems and software by researchers from the University of Washington and the University of California was reported in 2010 [24494, 37643]. 4. The software failure incident involving the demonstration of vulnerabilities in Jeep Cherokees by security researchers and the subsequent recall of 1.4 million vehicles occurred in 2015 [51239, 41739]. |
| System | 1. Toyota Prius and Ford Escape electronics system [24494] 2. Chrysler vehicles with Uconnect from late 2013, all of 2014, and early 2015 [37643] 3. Fiat Chrysler's Uconnect system [39831] 4. Jeep Cherokee [51239, 112250] |
| Responsible Organization | 1. Security researchers found a flaw in Fiat Chrysler's Uconnect system, allowing hackers to access the cars' internal systems, leading to a major software failure incident [Article 39831]. 2. Hackers Charlie Miller and Chris Valasek hacked a Jeep, demonstrating vulnerabilities in the vehicle's software, which led to a recall of 1.4 million vehicles by Fiat Chrysler [Article 51239]. 3. Security researchers remotely caused a Jeep Cherokee to lose power and exhibit various unexpected behaviors, prompting a recall of 1.4 million vehicles by Jeep's parent company, FCA [Article 112250]. |
| Impacted Organization | 1. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles [37643] 2. General Motors [39831] 3. Automotive industry and consumers [51239] 4. U.S. government and vehicle manufacturers [112250] |
| Software Causes | 1. Vulnerabilities in car systems and software that allowed remote control of car features [24494] 2. Flaw in Fiat Chrysler's Uconnect system that allowed hackers to access internal car systems [39831] 3. Software bug in Jeep Cherokees that allowed hackers to remotely control various functions of the vehicle [51239] 4. Vulnerabilities in the software of a 2014 Jeep Cherokee that allowed researchers to remotely hack into the car and override signals [45983] 5. Software bug in Fiat Chrysler vehicles that allowed hackers to remotely control the vehicle [112250] |
| Non-software Causes | 1. Mechanical problem with the ignition switch in some General Motors cars [Article 51239] |
| Impacts | 1. The software failure incident in Fiat Chrysler's Uconnect system led to a breach that allowed hackers to access the cars' internal systems, resulting in a major black eye for the company and a recall of 1.4 million vehicles [Article 39831, Article 41739]. 2. The incident demonstrated the vulnerability of new Jeep Cherokees to hacking, leading to a recall of 1.4 million vehicles by Fiat Chrysler to address the identified flaws [Article 51239]. 3. The potential impacts of the software failure incident included scenarios where hackers could remotely hijack a Jeep's digital systems, potentially causing catastrophic outcomes such as turning the wheel 180 degrees or disabling critical functions like brakes, posing a serious threat to driver safety [Article 45983]. 4. The incident highlighted the need for automotive software to be kept up to date, manual security patches to be applied, and caution to be exercised regarding unauthorized changes to a vehicle's software, emphasizing the importance of cybersecurity in the automotive industry [Article 41739]. 5. The incident raised concerns about the future of automotive cybersecurity, with the possibility of more sophisticated and damaging hacks targeting vehicles, prompting the industry to invest resources in enhancing security measures and preparedness [Article 39831]. |
| Preventions | 1. Implementing security updates and patches promptly to address vulnerabilities in the software [37643, 41739]. 2. Allowing outside help and public scrutiny of the software code to identify bugs and vulnerabilities [39831, 51239]. 3. Taking proactive steps to prevent CAN network manipulations and ensuring secure diagnostic tests in vehicles [45983]. 4. Building in firewalls and safety measures in the manufacturing chain to prevent malicious code from affecting critical functions of the vehicle [112250]. |
| Fixes | 1. Implementing software updates to secure vehicles against vulnerabilities [37643, 41739]. 2. Open sourcing auto software to allow public scrutiny for bug identification [51239]. 3. Conducting continuous testing of vehicle systems to identify vulnerabilities and develop solutions [37643]. 4. Building firewalls in software and hardware design to prevent malicious code introduction [112250]. | References | 1. Security researchers Charlie Miller and Chris Valasek [37643, 41739] 2. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) [37643, 39831, 51239] 3. FBI and DOT [41739] 4. Dr. Patel and security researchers [51239] 5. Volkswagen [51239] 6. N.H.T.S.A. (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) [51239] 7. Carmakers [51239] 8. UCSD computer science professor Stefan Savage [37643, 51239] 9. Toyota [51239] 10. General Motors [51239] 11. Senator Blumenthal [51239] 12. Thomas Dullien (Halvar Flake) [51239] 13. McKinsey [112250] |
| Category | Option | Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| Recurring | one_organization, multiple_organization | (a) The software failure incident having happened again at one_organization: - Fiat Chrysler (FCA) experienced a software failure incident related to a breach in their Uconnect system, allowing hackers to access internal systems of cars [Article 39831]. - FCA had to recall 1.4 million vehicles, including Jeep Cherokees, to fix the vulnerability caused by the software failure incident [Article 112250]. (b) The software failure incident having happened again at multiple_organization: - Ford had to recall 432,000 Focus, C-Max, and Escape vehicles due to a software bug that could keep the engines running even after drivers tried to shut them off [Article 51239]. - Toyota recalled 625,000 hybrid cars over a software malfunction that could bring the cars to a sudden stop, in addition to recalling 1.9 million Prius hybrid cars the previous year for a similar problem [Article 51239]. |
| Phase (Design/Operation) | design, operation | (a) The articles provide information related to software failure incidents occurring due to the design phase. For example, in Article 37643, it is mentioned that carmakers failed to secure their vehicles from digital attacks, leading to vulnerabilities that could be exploited by hackers. Additionally, in Article 51239, it is highlighted that software-related recalls are mounting, with instances like Ford recalling vehicles due to a software bug that could keep engines running even after attempts to shut them off. (b) Regarding software failure incidents occurring due to the operation phase, the articles discuss the importance of keeping automotive software up to date and avoiding unauthorized changes to a vehicle's software to prevent potential cyber threats. In Article 41739, the FBI and DOT advise keeping automotive software up to date and being cautious about plugging insecure gadgets into the car's network to mitigate risks associated with software vulnerabilities introduced during operation. |
| Boundary (Internal/External) | within_system, outside_system | (a) within_system: The software failure incident related to the Jeep Cherokee's Uconnect system vulnerability was a result of flaws within the system itself. Security researchers found a flaw in Fiat Chrysler's Uconnect system, allowing hackers to access the car's internal systems [Article 39831]. The flaw in the Uconnect system led to a recall of 1.4 million vehicles by Jeep's parent company, FCA, to fix the vulnerability [Article 112250]. (b) outside_system: The software failure incident was also influenced by factors originating from outside the system. The incident involved potential cyber security threats, indicating external threats to the software systems of vehicles [Article 41739]. Additionally, the incident highlighted the shifting approach of the automotive industry towards cybersecurity, emphasizing the need to listen and adapt to external vulnerabilities rather than silencing and entrenching [Article 39831]. |
| Nature (Human/Non-human) | non-human_actions, human_actions | (a) The software failure incident occurring due to non-human actions: - Article 39831 mentions a flaw found in Fiat Chrysler's Uconnect system, which allowed hackers from the outside to access the cars' internal systems, leading to a recall being instituted [39831]. - Article 112250 discusses how security researchers were able to remotely take over a Jeep Cherokee, causing various actions like changing radio stations and turning on windshield wipers, highlighting vulnerabilities in the vehicle's software [112250]. (b) The software failure incident occurring due to human actions: - Article 37643 discusses the actions of cybersecurity advocates like Charlie Miller and Chris Valasek, who identified security flaws in vehicles and published information that could potentially encourage hackers to exploit these vulnerabilities [37643]. - Article 45983 mentions the work of Miller and Valasek, who demonstrated how they could manipulate signals in vehicles to cause potential harm, emphasizing the need for automakers to take steps to prevent such manipulations [45983]. - Article 51239 touches on the importance of open-source code for public scrutiny to identify bugs and vulnerabilities in automotive software, suggesting that human actions in terms of software development and regulation can impact the safety and security of vehicles [51239]. |
| Dimension (Hardware/Software) | hardware, software | (a) The software failure incident occurring due to hardware: - Article 45983 mentions how the hackers were able to manipulate the Electronic Control Unit (ECU) in a way that would contradict legitimate commands, potentially leading to dangerous outcomes like turning the wheel 180 degrees, which could result in fatal accidents. This manipulation involved putting a second ECU into "bootrom" mode to paralyze the innocent ECU and send malicious commands to the target component [45983]. (b) The software failure incident occurring due to software: - Article 37643 discusses how security researchers found a flaw in Fiat Chrysler's Uconnect software, allowing hackers to access the cars' internal systems. This software vulnerability led to a recall being instituted to address the issue [39831]. - Article 51239 highlights various software-related issues in vehicles, including recalls over software bugs that could keep engines running, sudden stops due to software malfunctions, and the potential for disabling brakes with an infected MP3 file. These incidents point to software-related failures in the automotive industry [51239]. |
| Objective (Malicious/Non-malicious) | malicious | (a) The software failure incident mentioned in the articles is malicious in nature. Security researchers found a flaw in Fiat Chrysler's Uconnect system that allowed hackers to access the cars' internal systems [Article 39831]. The hackers were able to send malicious commands to components in the vehicle, such as overriding signals to activate the parking brake and bringing the vehicle to a halt [Article 45983]. Additionally, there were concerns about outsiders looking for vulnerabilities within a car's systems potentially becoming illegal [Article 39831]. (b) The articles do not provide information about a non-malicious software failure incident. |
| Intent (Poor/Accidental Decisions) | poor_decisions, accidental_decisions | (a) The intent of the software failure incident related to poor_decisions: - Article 37643 mentions how security researchers found a flaw in Fiat Chrysler's Uconnect system, allowing hackers to access the cars' internal systems. This flaw led to a recall being instituted, indicating a failure due to poor decisions in the software design and implementation [39831]. - Article 51239 discusses how a hacking demonstration exposed the vulnerabilities of new Jeep Cherokees, leading to a recall of 1.4 million vehicles by Fiat Chrysler to address the identified flaws. This incident highlights a failure due to poor decisions in the software design and security measures [51239]. (b) The intent of the software failure incident related to accidental_decisions: - Article 41739 mentions the advice from the FBI and DOT to keep automotive software up to date and avoid unauthorized changes, stemming from previous research demonstrations by hackers Charlie Miller and Chris Valasek. This indicates failures due to accidental decisions or unintended consequences in software security practices [41739]. - Article 112250 discusses the potential consequences of a vehicle hack, ranging from mildly annoying to catastrophic, emphasizing the accidental decisions or mistakes that could lead to such breaches in vehicle software security [112250]. |
| Capability (Incompetence/Accidental) | development_incompetence | (a) The software failure incident occurring due to development incompetence: - Article 37643 mentions how Chrysler's patch for a software bug in Jeep vehicles had to be manually implemented, leaving many vulnerable vehicles as the patch was not easily applied [37643]. - Article 51239 discusses how security researchers demonstrated the possibility of disabling a car's brakes with an infected MP3 file, highlighting the potential risks introduced by software vulnerabilities [51239]. (b) The software failure incident occurring accidentally: - Article 39831 talks about how security researchers found a flaw in Fiat Chrysler's Uconnect system, leading to a recall to address the vulnerability before any exploitation occurred [39831]. - Article 112250 describes a vehicle takeover incident in a Jeep Cherokee caused by security researchers, leading to the recall of 1.4 million vehicles to fix the vulnerability, indicating an accidental introduction of the software vulnerability [112250]. |
| Duration | permanent, temporary | (a) The articles provide information about software failure incidents that could be considered permanent due to contributing factors introduced by all circumstances. For example, in Article 51239, it is mentioned that a hacking demonstration exposed how vulnerable new Jeep Cherokees can be, with various software-related issues occurring such as the air-conditioning blasting, images appearing on the display screen, music playing at full volume, windshield wipers activating, and the engine quitting. Recalls over software issues are also mentioned, indicating a persistent problem with the software in vehicles [51239]. (b) On the other hand, the articles also discuss temporary software failure incidents caused by contributing factors introduced by certain circumstances but not all. For instance, in Article 39831, it is mentioned that security researchers found a flaw in Fiat Chrysler's Uconnect system, leading to a recall being quickly instituted to address the vulnerability. This indicates that the software failure incident was temporary and could be resolved through specific actions such as recalls and updates [39831]. |
| Behaviour | omission, value, byzantine, other | (a) crash: The incident described in Article 51239 involved a software-related issue where the engine of the car continued running even after the driver attempted to shut it off, leading to a recall by Ford [51239]. (b) omission: In Article 51239, it is mentioned that a software bug in Ford vehicles could keep the engines running even after drivers tried to shut them off, indicating an omission in the system's intended functions. (c) timing: There is no specific mention of a software failure incident related to timing in the provided articles. (d) value: The incident described in Article 112250 mentions the potential consequences of a software failure, such as a hacker inserting nefarious code into a vehicle's electronic control units, causing the vehicle to suddenly speed up, shut down, or lose braking power, which aligns with a failure in the system performing its intended functions incorrectly [112250]. (e) byzantine: The incident described in Article 112250 discusses the complexities and potential vulnerabilities in vehicle software systems, including threats like SIM cards carrying malicious code, faked over-the-air software updates, and tricking vehicle sensors and cameras with wrong information, which could lead to inconsistent responses and interactions, resembling a byzantine failure [112250]. (f) other: The incident described in Article 51239 involved a software-related issue where the brakes of a car could be disabled with an infected MP3 file inserted into the car's CD player, showcasing a unique behavior not fitting into the defined categories [51239]. |
| Layer | Option | Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| Perception | actuator, processing_unit, network_communication, embedded_software | (a) sensor: The articles do not provide specific information about failures related to sensor errors. (b) actuator: Article #112250 mentions that altering a street sign in ways imperceptible to the eye can trick a car into misperceiving a stop sign as a speed limit sign, potentially causing a failure related to actuator error. (c) processing_unit: Article #112250 discusses how a fleet of cars could be commandeered and made to steer erratically, potentially causing a major accident, indicating a failure related to processing error. (d) network_communication: Article #37643 mentions the possibility of a wirelessly controlled automotive botnet encompassing hundreds of thousands of vehicles, indicating a failure related to network communication error. (e) embedded_software: Article #51239 discusses how software-related recalls have raised safety concerns and cost automakers millions of dollars, indicating a failure related to embedded software error. |
| Communication | link_level | [a37643] The failure in the software incident was related to the communication layer of the cyber physical system that failed at the link_level. The hackers were able to exploit vulnerabilities in the Uconnect system, allowing them to gain wireless access to the vehicles' systems. Initially, the attack required physical access to the vehicles, but later it evolved to be wireless, enabling remote control of various controls in the cars. The vulnerability in the Uconnect's cellular connection allowed attackers to gain access from anywhere in the country, indicating a failure at the link_level. [a39831] The articles do not provide specific information about a software failure incident related to the communication layer of the cyber physical system at the connectivity_level. |
| Application | TRUE | The failure related to the application layer of the cyber physical system that failed is not explicitly mentioned in the provided articles. |
| Category | Option | Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| Consequence | harm, property, non-human, theoretical_consequence, other | (a) death: The articles do not mention any incidents where people lost their lives due to the software failure. (b) harm: The articles discuss potential harm that could result from software failures, such as the ability of hackers to override signals that control critical systems in vehicles, potentially causing harm or accidents [45983]. (c) basic: The articles do not mention any impact on people's access to food or shelter due to the software failure. (d) property: The articles mention potential impacts on property, such as the ability of hackers to control a vehicle's functions, including turning off the engine or activating the parking brake, which could lead to property damage [45983]. (e) delay: The articles do not mention any instances where people had to postpone activities due to the software failure. (f) non-human: The articles discuss potential impacts on non-human entities, such as the power grid being shut down by a hacked electric vehicle while charging [112250]. (g) no_consequence: The articles do not mention any instances where there were no real observed consequences of the software failure. (h) theoretical_consequence: The articles discuss potential consequences of software failures, such as the possibility of a future where roads are full of targets for hackers due to vulnerabilities in vehicles [39831]. (i) other: The articles mention the potential for hackers to steal personal data, eavesdrop on phone conversations, or cause a fleet of cars to steer erratically, potentially causing major accidents [112250]. |
| Domain | transportation, manufacturing, government | (a) The articles discuss software failures related to the automotive industry, specifically focusing on the cybersecurity vulnerabilities in vehicles. Hackers were able to exploit software flaws in cars, leading to concerns about the security of connected vehicles and the potential for serious safety risks [37643, 39831, 51239]. (b) The transportation industry is directly impacted by the software failures in vehicles, as these vulnerabilities can affect the safe movement of people and goods. The articles highlight how cybersecurity issues in cars can lead to safety concerns and potential risks for drivers and passengers [37643, 39831, 51239]. (c) While not directly related to extracting materials from the Earth, the software failures in the automotive industry have implications for natural resources indirectly. The articles discuss how vulnerabilities in vehicle software can lead to safety risks, potentially impacting the environment if these issues result in accidents or malfunctions [37643, 39831, 51239]. (d) The software failures in the automotive industry do not directly involve sales transactions or the exchange of money for products. However, the vulnerabilities in vehicle software can impact consumer trust and potentially lead to financial losses for automakers in the form of recalls and legal actions [37643, 39831, 51239]. (e) The construction industry is not directly affected by the software failures discussed in the articles. The focus is on cybersecurity vulnerabilities in vehicles and the potential safety risks associated with these flaws [37643, 39831, 51239]. (f) The manufacturing industry is closely tied to the software failures in the automotive sector. The articles highlight how automakers are grappling with cybersecurity challenges related to the increasing complexity of software in modern vehicles and the need to address vulnerabilities to ensure product safety [37643, 39831, 51239]. (g) The utilities industry, which includes power, gas, steam, water, and sewage services, is not directly impacted by the software failures in the automotive industry discussed in the articles. The focus is on vehicle cybersecurity and safety concerns [37643, 39831, 51239]. (h) The finance industry, which involves manipulating and moving money for profit, is not directly related to the software failures in the automotive sector. The articles primarily address cybersecurity vulnerabilities in vehicles and the potential safety implications [37643, 39831, 51239]. (i) The knowledge industry, encompassing education, research, and space exploration, is not directly linked to the software failures in the automotive industry discussed in the articles. The focus is on cybersecurity issues in vehicles and the implications for safety [37643, 39831, 51239]. (j) The health industry, covering healthcare, health insurance, and food industries, is not directly involved in the software failures reported in the articles. The focus is on cybersecurity vulnerabilities in vehicles and the potential safety risks for drivers and passengers [37643, 39831, 51239]. (k) The entertainment industry, including arts, sports, hospitality, and tourism, is not directly impacted by the software failures in the automotive sector discussed in the articles. The focus is on cybersecurity vulnerabilities in vehicles and the associated safety concerns [37643, 39831, 51239]. (l) The government sector, involving politics, defense, justice, taxes, and public services, is indirectly related to the software failures in the automotive industry. The articles mention legislative efforts to address automotive cybersecurity issues, indicating government involvement in regulating vehicle software security [37643, 39831, 51239]. (m) The software failures in the automotive industry do not fall under the other industries described in options (a) to (l). The focus is on cybersecurity vulnerabilities in vehicles and the potential safety risks associated with these flaws [37643, 39831, 51239]. |
Article ID: 24494
Article ID: 45983
Article ID: 112250
Article ID: 39831
Article ID: 41739
Article ID: 51239
Article ID: 37643