DEF CON 32 - Abusing legacy railroad signaling systems - David Meléndez, Gabriela Gabs Garcia

In this study, we delve into the darker aspects of railway technology, revealing how easily accessible domestic hardware tools can compromise the seemingly infallible robustness of signaling systems. We demonstrate how these accessible technologies can be utilized to devise strategies that potentially threaten train circulation in Spain. Our research presents a critical analysis of the vulnerabilities present in the railway signaling systems, highlighting the ease with which these systems can be tampered with, using tools that are readily available to the general public. Through a combination of theoretical insights and practical demonstrations, we offer a comprehensive overview of the risks associated with such vulnerabilities. Our findings aim to raise awareness among stakeholders in the railway industry, prompting a reevaluation of current security measures and encouraging the adoption of more stringent protections against such threats. This paper contributes to the ongoing discussion in the cybersecurity community, offering valuable insights into the potential risks facing modern transportation infrastructures and suggesting avenues for future research and development in railway system security. We consider this work to be innovative on a type of system that has been present for over half a century in railway infrastructures. Therefore, the references provided are primarily about the operation of the systems and relevant news concerning them.