An investigative analysis of the security weaknesses in the evolution of RFID enabled passport

  • Authors:
  • Eyad Abdullah Bogari;Pavol Zavarsky;Dale Lindskog;Ron Ruhl

  • Affiliations:
  • Information Systems Security Management, Concordia University College of Alberta, 7128 Ada Boulevard, Edmonton, Alberta, T5B 4E4, Canada;Faculty of Professional Education Department, Concordia University College of Alberta, 7128 Ada Boulevard, Edmonton, Alberta, T5B 4E4, Canada;Faculty of Professional Education Department, Concordia University College of Alberta, 7128 Ada Boulevard, Edmonton, Alberta, T5B 4E4, Canada;Faculty of Professional Education Department, Concordia University College of Alberta, 7128 Ada Boulevard, Edmonton, Alberta, T5B 4E4, Canada

  • Venue:
  • International Journal of Internet Technology and Secured Transactions
  • Year:
  • 2012

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Abstract

Since the introduction of radio frequency identification RFID enabled passports, the system has been plagued with various vulnerability issues that prove to compromise the e-passport security. To date, three generations of e-passports have been introduced by the International Civil Aviation Organization ICAO and the European Union EU. The first two generations of e-passports are being issued worldwide. This paper presents the evolution of these passports over the years to develop taxonomy of the weaknesses and to serve as a reference point detailing security vulnerabilities linked to the RFID e-passport features in the three generations. The findings can also assist in profiling possible attack vectors on the existing RFID enabled passports and in developing comprehensive RFID e-passport risk mitigation strategies. To illustrate the importance of a comprehensive risk strategy when using RFID e-passport, the attack process modelling method is used to highlight the possible attacks and weaknesses which could result from not using one or more security features.