In sports, gaining an unfair advantage has long been associated with performance-enhancing drugs. Success traditionally depended on endurance, strategy, and sheer physical ability of the human body. But now, technology is introducing a new kind of threat. A recent research paper shows that even the integrity of a cycling race could be compromised by a cyberattack, targeting a novel mechanism of wireless gear shift change.
Researchers from UC San Diego and Northeastern University discovered a serious security issue in Shimano’s Di2 wireless gear-shifting systems, used in professional cycling. The systems were designed to give cyclists more precise control over their gear shifts through wireless communication. Unfortunately, they also introduced a new set of risks. The wireless link connects the command dial to the derailleur, a mechanism responsible for the actual gear change. Using the standard radio transmitter, an attacker can intercept and replay the signals transmitted between the bike’s components. From up to 10 meters, this can trigger the unwanted gear shifts, potentially causing chaos in a race setting.
The issue lies in how the Di2 system communicates. It doesn’t use encryption or authentication, allowing a replay attack. This kind of attack could have devastating effects in a high-stakes race. Imagine a cyclist who is about to sprint towards the finish line, only to have their gears suddenly and unexpectedly shift, throwing them off balance or slowing them down. The implications of such an attack are severe: a well-timed disruption could cause a rider to lose valuable seconds or even result in a crash.
Fortunately, Shimano has responded swiftly to these findings. In collaboration with the researchers, the company has developed a firmware update to patch the vulnerability. This quick response sets a commendable example of how manufacturers should handle emerging cybersecurity threats, especially in industries where digital technology is still a relatively new addition. The firmware update, already rolled out to professional teams, will soon be available to all riders.
The integration of digital systems into traditionally analog domains opens up new vectors for cyber threats. The discovery of this vulnerability serves as a reminder of the unforeseen consequences that can arise when digital technology is integrated into new domains. The Internet of Things (IoT) offers numerous parallels — devices designed to make life easier and more connected have often introduced significant security risks that were not initially anticipated.
In competitive cycling, where the stakes are incredibly high, the motivation for an attacker is clear: slowing down or disabling an opponent’s bike could mean the difference between winning and losing. What’s even more concerning is how easy it is to carry out this kind of attack. The tools required for an attack are often cheap and widely available, making it essential for manufacturers to build strong security measures into any technology that could impact a critical environment.
The case of Shimano Di2 addressed a rather basic vulnerability, and fortunately it was quickly resolved. However, the baseline security measures are often insufficient. In device security this is especially relevant in situations, when a successful attack offers a high reward, like in a professional cycling race. In such cases it is likely that an adversary may attempt a more advanced attack. Therefore, for vendors this presents a demand for a more in-depth look in security.