Logboat — A simulation framework enabling CAN security assessments

Traditionally, fieldbus networks are operated in closed environments, where all communication nodes are assumed to be trustworthy. Therefore, the corresponding standards do not consider any security requirements. New technology trends, such as the upcoming Internet of Things (IoT), demand an interconnection between all components of an industrial infrastructure. As a consequence of this, there is a need for tools enabling security assessments and the simulation of protocol-based security improvements. In this paper we introduce Logboat, a flexible Python and Linux based simulation framework for security assessments on Controller Area Network (CAN) networks and make some architectural and technology-selection proposals. Subsequently, the different modules of Logboat and their capabilities are explained and a use case scenario is presented. The paper concludes with an outlook on upcoming research activities on CAN bus security where the presented framework can be of help.