Security Challenges and Architectures in SDN-Enabled VANETs: A Comprehensive Survey and Taxonomy

The integration of Software-Defined Networking (SDN) with vehicle Ad Hoc Networks (VANETs) has created a revolutionary framework for overseeing advanced vehicle communications in Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS). This integration renders Software-Defined automotive Networks (SDVNs) susceptible to various significant security vulnerabilities, such as Denial-of-Service (DoS) attacks, spoofing, session hijacking, and routing manipulation, attributable to the centralized architecture of SDN controllers and the elevated mobility inside automotive contexts. This study comprehensively analyzes SDN-enabled VANETs (SDVNs), focusing on security frameworks, vulnerabilities, and mitigation strategies. Moreover, the Denial-of-Service (DoS) and routing assaults are recognized as the most disruptive security vulnerabilities, severely compromising network availability, performance, and trust in vehicular communications. The paper delineates the fundamental architectural elements of SDVNs, encompassing centralized, distributed, and hybrid controller models, and examines their operational attributes and design compromises. A detailed taxonomy of over 30 security attacks is presented, classified by origin, goal, and impacted network layer. The survey assesses mitigation strategies, encompassing intelligent and lightweight technologies like SLICOTS, SDNShield, Flood Guard, and LineSwitch. The security posture of SDVNs is evaluated using an advanced CIA3 model that includes Confidentiality, Integrity, Authentication, Availability, and Access Control. The research also emphasizes the relevance of SDVN frameworks in practical vehicle contexts, including emergency communication, collision avoidance, intelligent routing, and smart parking systems. The paper ultimately delineates critical research deficiencies, technical constraints, and prospects for future progress in the secure implementation of adaptive, scalable vehicle networks.