OWASP Automotive Security — Automotive Security Project
SmartSuite provides the system for managing controls, evidence, mappings, assessments, and reporting. Framework text may require a separate license unless explicitly provided.
Overview
OWASP Automotive Security is an open security initiative providing guidance on cybersecurity practices for automotive systems and connected vehicles. The framework addresses the unique security challenges of modern vehicles with increasing connectivity, software complexity, and attack surface.
Developed by the Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP), the Automotive Security resources apply to automotive manufacturers, Tier 1 suppliers, software developers, and security researchers working on vehicle cybersecurity. The guidance covers threat modeling, attack surface analysis, security testing, and secure development practices for automotive systems.
Organizations use OWASP Automotive Security resources by integrating threat modeling into vehicle development processes, applying security testing methodologies, and aligning practices with regulatory requirements including UN Regulation 155 and ISO/SAE 21434.
Why it Matters
OWASP Automotive Security provides practical guidance addressing the rapidly evolving threat landscape facing connected and autonomous vehicle systems.
Key benefits include:
- Address automotive-specific threats
Apply security practices tailored to the unique attack vectors and safety-critical requirements of automotive systems.
- Support regulatory compliance
Align security practices with UN Regulation 155 and ISO/SAE 21434 automotive cybersecurity requirements.
- Improve security testing
Apply structured testing methodologies identifying vulnerabilities in automotive systems before deployment.
- Enhance secure development
Integrate automotive security principles into development lifecycles reducing vulnerabilities in connected vehicle systems.
- Build threat intelligence
Leverage community-developed threat intelligence specific to automotive attack vectors and adversary techniques.
How it Works
OWASP Automotive Security resources include threat modeling guidance, attack surface analysis frameworks, and security testing methodologies adapted for automotive environments. Resources address CAN bus security, telematics systems, OBD-II interfaces, V2X communications, and in-vehicle infotainment systems.
Organizations implement OWASP Automotive guidance by conducting threat assessments of vehicle systems, applying testing methodologies to identify vulnerabilities, and integrating security practices into automotive development programs aligned with regulatory requirements.
Within SmartSuite, automotive organizations track security testing activities, manage vulnerability findings, coordinate remediation across development teams, and maintain evidence supporting regulatory compliance.
Key Elements
- Automotive Threat Modeling
Structured approaches for identifying and assessing threats specific to automotive systems and components.
- Attack Surface Analysis
Frameworks for systematically identifying attack vectors in connected vehicle architectures.
- Security Testing Methodologies
Adapted testing approaches for automotive protocols, interfaces, and communication systems.
Framework Scope
OWASP Automotive Security applies to automotive manufacturers, Tier 1 suppliers, and developers building security into connected vehicle systems and automotive software platforms.
Framework Objectives
OWASP Automotive Security provides community-developed guidance improving cybersecurity across automotive systems and connected vehicles.
- Address automotive-specific attack vectors and security threats
- Support UN Regulation 155 and ISO/SAE 21434 compliance
- Improve security testing and vulnerability discovery in automotive systems
- Integrate security into automotive development lifecycles
- Build community knowledge addressing automotive cybersecurity challenges
Common Framework Mappings
Mapped frameworks include:
IEC 62443
ISO/SAE 21434
NIST Cybersecurity Framework
OWASP Top Ten
UN Regulation 155 (UNECE WP.29)
- ClassicifationCategoryAutomotive SecurityDomainCybersecurityFramework FamilyOWASP
- Regulatory ContextTypeGuidanceSectorTransportation SectorIndustryAutomotive
- Region / PublisherRegionGlobalRegion DetailGlobalPublisherOpen Web Application Security Project (OWASP)
- VersioningVersionCurrent OWASP Automotive Security ProjectEffective Date2020Issue Date2019
- AdoptionAdoption ModelIndustry RequirementImplementation ComplexityModerate
- Official ReferenceOpen Link in New TabSource
License included / downloadable: Yes
OWASP Automotive Security resources are publicly available through the OWASP Foundation.
How SmartSuite Supports OWASP Automotive Security
Manage automotive application and system security using OWASP Automotive Security guidance by tracking risks, controls, and secure development practices across vehicle software and connected systems.
Automotive Threat Modeling and Risk Tracking
Identify threats across vehicle systems and track risks tied to software, interfaces, and components.
Secure Development Lifecycle (SDLC) Management
Manage secure coding practices, reviews, and testing across automotive software development.
Vulnerability Intake and Remediation Management
Track discovered vulnerabilities, prioritize fixes, and manage remediation workflows.
Connected Services and API Security
Implement and monitor controls for APIs, in-vehicle applications, and connected services.
Penetration Testing, Code Analysis, and Validation Results
Capture results from penetration testing, code analysis, and validation activities.
Automotive Cybersecurity Posture Reporting
Provide dashboards showing vulnerabilities, remediation status, and overall automotive security posture.
Related frameworks
CIS Controls v8.1 provides prioritized, practical security actions to help organizations mitigate common cyber threats and strengthen defenses.
ISO/IEC 27001:2022 is an international ISMS standard that helps organizations manage information security risks and protect data.
ISO/SAE 21434 is a cybersecurity engineering standard that defines processes to manage cyber risks across vehicle lifecycles and supply chains.
NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) v2.0 is a risk-based framework that helps organizations manage and reduce cybersecurity risks.
Frequently Asked Questions For OWASP Automotive Security (Automotive Security Project)
OWASP Automotive Security is used to identify, assess, and mitigate cybersecurity risks in automotive systems and connected vehicles. It guides organizations in implementing industry best practices to protect vehicle architectures, software, and data from cyber threats.
OWASP Automotive Security is a voluntary, open framework and is not a formal certification or regulatory requirement. However, organizations may use its guidance to demonstrate cybersecurity due diligence and to align with regulatory obligations such as UN R155 and ISO/SAE 21434.
The framework is applicable to automotive manufacturers, suppliers, developers, security engineers, and compliance teams across the automotive sector. It is relevant for any organization involved in the design, development, or operation of connected vehicle components and systems.
Key concepts include risk assessment methodologies tailored to automotive components, catalogs of security controls specific to automotive threats, and lifecycle-focused security processes. Artifacts often involve attack surface analyses, threat modeling reports, and evidence of implemented controls.
Organizations begin by conducting targeted risk assessments, mapping known threats to recommended controls, and integrating security requirements from design through decommissioning phases. Regular activities include vulnerability assessments, secure update validation, and continuous monitoring of vehicle networks.
The framework is complementary to automotive regulations such as UN R155 and ISO/SAE 21434, providing actionable guidance for practical implementation of cybersecurity mandates. It does not replace these standards but helps bridge regulatory requirements with real-world security practices.
Ongoing compliance involves continuous risk monitoring, regular security assessments, validation of security controls, and documentation of cybersecurity practices. Maintaining evidence of these activities supports both audit readiness and compliance with applicable automotive regulations.
SmartSuite enables organizations to manage OWASP Automotive Security by centralizing risk tracking for automotive components, administering control libraries, and collecting compliance evidence. The platform supports audit readiness through workflow management, documentation, and reporting dashboards, helping security teams coordinate remediation and demonstrate regulatory compliance.
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