A Hitchhikers Guide to Container Security - Automotive Edition 2024

For the last decades, automotive software has been minimalistic and low-profile. That era has passed, and modern cars have rapidly evolved into what can be described as ‘tablets on wheels.’ Nowadays, all car functions, such as the engine, door locking, or lane assist, are operated by a complex network of embedded software. This system is managed by a vast number of different electrical control units, making it challenging to update and maintain. In recent years, Linux providers have announced in-vehicle operating systems based on the Linux Kernel. The goal is to consolidate software onto a common platform, ultimately utilizing software containers in cars. This opens up possibilities to make development more flexible and enables even DevOps. However, the integration of physical interfaces, such as internal bus systems, temperature sensors, and door actuators, create new security challenges. Not familiar with the automotive world? Don’t panic - jump in and enjoy the hitchhiker’s guide!