Network Working Group L. Xu Internet-Draft C. Wang Intended status: Informational Y. Fu Expires: 20 June 2025 Y. Wang China Unicom 17 December 2024 Security and Privacy Considerations for Deep Space Network draft-xu-deepspace-security-privacy-considerations-00 Abstract Deep Space Network (DSN) inherits potential security vulnerabilities as well as privacy issues. This document describes various threats and security concerns related to Deep Space Networks and existing approaches to solve these threats. Status of This Memo This Internet-Draft is submitted in full conformance with the provisions of BCP 78 and BCP 79. Internet-Drafts are working documents of the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF). Note that other groups may also distribute working documents as Internet-Drafts. The list of current Internet- Drafts is at https://datatracker.ietf.org/drafts/current/. 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Expires 20 June 2025 [Page 1] Internet-Draft DPN Security and Privacy Considerations December 2024 Table of Contents 1. Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 1.1. Requirements Language . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 2. Security Issues in Deep Space Network . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 2.1. Data Interception . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 2.2. Signal Jamming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 2.3. Unauthorized Access . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 3. Privacy Issues in Deep Space Networks . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 3.1. Man-in-the-Middle(MitM) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 3.2. Replay Attacks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 3.3. Side-Channel Attacks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 4. Security Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 5. IANA Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 6. References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 6.1. Normative References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 6.2. Informative References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Acknowledgements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Authors' Addresses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 1. Introduction The interplanetary communication system relies heavily on the Deep Space Network (DSN) [I-D.many-deepspace-ip-assessment], which holds a crucial position in the achievement of space exploration missions. However, it constantly faces challenges in terms of security and privacy. Security is of utmost importance, because any security breach could jeopardize mission integrity and national security. Similarly, privacy issues present considerable risks due to the sensitive data exchanged between Earth and spacecraft. This document describes various threats and security concerns related to Deep Space Networks and existing approaches to solve these threats. 1.1. Requirements Language The key words "MUST", "MUST NOT", "REQUIRED", "SHALL", "SHALL NOT", "SHOULD", "SHOULD NOT", "RECOMMENDED", "NOT RECOMMENDED", "MAY", and "OPTIONAL" in this document are to be interpreted as described in BCP 14 [RFC2119] [RFC8174] when, and only when, they appear in all capitals, as shown here. Xu, et al. Expires 20 June 2025 [Page 2] Internet-Draft DPN Security and Privacy Considerations December 2024 2. Security Issues in Deep Space Network Due to the critical nature of their operations and the inherent challenges of space communication, Deep Space Networks (DSNs) encounter a variety of security issues. This document discusses major security issues such as data Interception, signal Jamming as well as unauthorized access. 2.1. Data Interception Unauthorized entities engage in data interception by capturing sensitive information exchanged between spacecraft and ground stations. The vast distances involved and the weakness of the signals render the data susceptible to interception. Malicious actors can capitalize on the absence of encryption or deploy sophisticated eavesdropping technology to gain access to this information. The Deep Space Networks (DSNs) are exposed to substantial vulnerabilities stemming from inadequate encryption for data in transit and insufficient data protection measures，which can result in the following attacks： * the compromise of sensitive scientific data and mission-critical command. * unauthorized access to confidential information. * disrupt mission operations. * threaten the success and safety of space missions by undermining the integrity and confidentiality of transmitted data. To address vulnerabilities in Deep Space Networks (DSNs), implementing end-to-end encryption is essential to ensure data confidentiality throughout transmission. 2.2. Signal Jamming The emission of interference signals disrupts the communication link between spacecraft and ground stations, leading to signal jamming . This disruption can be deliberate (malicious) or accidental (resulting from environmental factors). Consequently, jamming hinders the effective transmission and reception of vital data and commands. Xu, et al. Expires 20 June 2025 [Page 3] Internet-Draft DPN Security and Privacy Considerations December 2024 Deep Space Networks (DSNs) face heightened vulnerability due to the susceptibility of their communication channels to interference and the inadequate resilience of their protocols against jamming. This heightened susceptibility can result in the following notable disruptions: * mission failures or loss of crucial data. * reducing effectiveness in maintaining consistent contact and control over spacecraft. * jeopardizing mission success and compromising the integrity of scientific and operational data. These vulnerabilities underscores the critical requirement for robust anti-jamming defenses and resilient communication protocols, which are essential for maintaining the continuous reliability and effectiveness of DSN operations. To mitigate vulnerabilities in Deep Space Networks (DSNs), it is necessary to propose anti-jamming technologies to address increasingly sophisticated interference techniques and protocols to dynamically adapt to new and evolving jamming methods. 2.3. Unauthorized Access Unauthorized access occurs when individuals obtain entry to DSN systems without authorization. This can stem from compromised credentials, insufficient access controls, or flaws in authentication processes. Deep Space Networks (DSNs) are exposed to significant risks due to weak access controls and inadequate authentication mechanisms, which encompass a lack of robust multi-factor authentication and role-based access controls. These deficiencies can result in data breaches, enabling unauthorized individuals to manipulate mission data and ultimately lose control over spacecraft. Such incidents pose grave threats to mission integrity, potentially causing sabotage and jeopardizing the overall success of space missions. Therefore, it is imperative to strengthen access controls and authentication measures to safeguard DSN operations from these severe consequences. Xu, et al. Expires 20 June 2025 [Page 4] Internet-Draft DPN Security and Privacy Considerations December 2024 3. Privacy Issues in Deep Space Networks Communication between spacecraft and Earth relies crucially on Deep Space Networks (DSNs), which transmit delicate information including scientific measurements and astronaut health details. Given the complexity and vast amounts of data transmitted, ensuring data privacy is of paramount importance. The distinctive challenges faced by DSNs, including immense distances and the requirement for reliable communications, render data protection a formidable task. Therefore, comprehensive safeguards are essential to protect sensitive information and guarantee the success of missions. 3.1. Man-in-the-Middle(MitM) Deep Space Networks (DSNs) face significant privacy risks from Man- in-the-Middle (MitM) attacks. These attacks involve an adversary intercepting and relaying messages between two parties who are unaware that they are not communicating directly with each other. The sensitivity of data transmitted in DSNs, such as mission-critical commands and scientific measurements, makes MitM attacks particularly damaging. MitM attacks exploit weaknesses in the communication protocols employed by DSNs. Attackers position themselves between communicating parties to intercept data without detection. Vulnerabilities include insufficient encryption and the absence of authentication mechanisms, which will result in the following attacks: * unauthorized access to data. * alteration of transmitted information. * potential disruption of mission-related commands. To mitigate MitM attacks, secure communication protocols, end-to-end encryption, and mutual authentication mechanisms should be implemented. Regular security audits and updates to protocols are crucial. 3.2. Replay Attacks In Deep Space Networks (DSNs), replay attacks entail attackers intercepting and resending authentic data transmissions, tricking the receiver into accepting them as genuine sources . This occurs when attackers capture legitimate communications and replay them later to obtain unauthorized access or execute commands. Among the vulnerabilities are the lack of timestamps, nonce values, or Xu, et al. Expires 20 June 2025 [Page 5] Internet-Draft DPN Security and Privacy Considerations December 2024 sequential numbering in data packets, which may result in the following consequences: * unauthorized command execution. * duplication of valid data. * potential disruptions or malfunctions in operational tasks. To counteract these attacks, mitigation strategies should incorporate the use of timestamps on data packets, the employment of nonce values and sequence numbers, and the implementation of anti-replay mechanisms. Regular security updates and audits play a vital role in maintaining security. Identified weaknesses include inadequate deployment of anti-replay measures across all systems and the necessity for ongoing protocol enhancements to defend against emerging attack techniques. 3.3. Side-Channel Attacks Side-channel attacks enable attackers to glean sensitive information from DSN systems by scrutinizing physical emissions, including electromagnetic leaks, power consumption, and timing details . This compromises the confidentiality and safety of crucial DSN data, potentially exposing encryption keys. These attacks happen when attackers deploy specialized tools to monitor and dissect side- channel emissions from DSN hardware and software. Vulnerabilities stem from inadequate shielding and safeguards against such emissions,which may lead to the following attacks： * unauthorized access to sensitive data. * potential encryption key leaks. * overall system security breaches. Side-channel attacks pose a substantial risk to the security of cryptographic systems by exploiting indirect information leakage to circumvent traditional safeguards. These attacks can be particularly dangerous because they often require minimal access to the target system and can be performed without the need for extensive technical expertise. As technology evolves and systems grow more intricate, the likelihood of side-channel vulnerabilities rises, emphasizing the necessity for robust countermeasures and persistent vigilance in security protocols. Xu, et al. Expires 20 June 2025 [Page 6] Internet-Draft DPN Security and Privacy Considerations December 2024 To counteract these threats, mitigation strategies may encompass employing shielding and noise generation methods, adopting side- channel resistant algorithms, and maintaining ongoing surveillance of side-channel emissions. 4. Security Considerations The security considerations of DPN are presented throughout this document. . 5. IANA Considerations This document has no IANA actions. 6. References 6.1. Normative References [RFC2119] Bradner, S., "Key words for use in RFCs to Indicate Requirement Levels", BCP 14, RFC 2119, DOI 10.17487/RFC2119, March 1997, . [RFC8174] Leiba, B., "Ambiguity of Uppercase vs Lowercase in RFC 2119 Key Words", BCP 14, RFC 8174, DOI 10.17487/RFC8174, May 2017, . 6.2. Informative References [I-D.many-deepspace-ip-assessment] Blanchet, M., Huitema, C., and D. Bogdanović, "Revisiting the Use of the IP Protocol Stack in Deep Space: Assessment and Possible Solutions", Work in Progress, Internet-Draft, draft-many-deepspace-ip-assessment-02, 10 September 2024, . Acknowledgements TBD Authors' Addresses Lei Xu China Unicom Beijing China Email: xulei56@chinaunicom.cn Xu, et al. Expires 20 June 2025 [Page 7] Internet-Draft DPN Security and Privacy Considerations December 2024 Cuicui Wang China Unicom Beijing China Email: wangcc107@chinaunicom.cn Yu Fu China Unicom Beijing China Email: fuy186@chinaunicom.cn Yunshi Wang China Unicom Beijing China Email: wangys183@chinaunicom.cn Xu, et al. Expires 20 June 2025 [Page 8]