Security Analysis of the KNX Smart Building Protocol

International Conference on Availability, Reliability and Security (ARES), pp. 1–7

Abstract

KNX is a protocol for smart building automation, e.g., for automated heating, air conditioning, or lighting. This paper analyses and evaluates state-of-the-art KNX devices from manufacturers Merten, Gira and Siemens with respect to security. On the one hand, it is investigated if publicly known vulnerabilities like insecure storage of passwords in software, unencrypted communication, or denial-of-service attacks, can be reproduced in new devices. On the other hand, the security is analyzed in general, leading to the discovery of a previously unknown and high risk vulnerability related to so-called BCU (authentication) keys.

Authors 5

1. Malte Küppers Aachen

   FH Aachen

   Affiliation as printed

   FH Aachen University of Applied Sciences, Germany

2. Marko Schuba Aachen

   FH Aachen

   Affiliation as printed

   FH Aachen University of Applied Sciences, Germany

3. Georg Neugebauer Aachen

   FH Aachen

   Affiliation as printed

   FH Aachen University of Applied Sciences, Germany

4. Tim Hoener Aachen

   FH Aachen

   Affiliation as printed

   FH Aachen University of Applied Sciences, Germany

5. Sacha Hack Aachen

   FH Aachen

   Affiliation as printed

   FH Aachen University of Applied Sciences, Germany