A few months ago, a new critical vulnerability affecting modern processors Intel , called ZombieLoad. This vulnerability allows attackers to gain access to certain pieces of sensitive information. Essentially, it exploits a special function of the Intel chip, which allows the processor to predict future instructions.
Developers have introduced this feature to improve performance. This way, the processor can read some data in advance. The processor is then able to predict future requests for various operations and perform those operations before the request is even made. The processor temporarily stores the results of these operations in cache memory. Normally, applications do not communicate with the cache and cannot read the data located there. The ZombieLoad vulnerability, however, creates a loophole and allows arbitrary programs to read data from the cache.
The ZombieLoad vulnerability can cause many problems
The ZombieLoad vulnerability allows for various software -related attacks . It was first discovered in May and, according to researchers , allows a malicious program to gain access to sensitive data (e.g., browser history, secret keys, passwords) that are being processed by other running programs. Even applications running in the cloud are not safe, because attackers can install and execute a malicious program that operates under these conditions.
The ZombieLoad vulnerability affects almost all Intel chips released since 2011. This means that all MacBooks, as well as many Windows, Linux servers, and Chromebooks, are at risk. The latest processors are not affected, but there are many users who use older processors and need to protect their devices by either replacing the hardware or installing patches. Either way, the risk is high.
Software applications contain data that must be kept secret, otherwise it can cause great harm to users. Such data are passwords, encryption keys, signatures, licenses and algorithms. If this information falls into the hands of a hacker , it can be used to carry out attacks. The ZombieLoad vulnerability allows access to such information, since it allows reading of memory.
The solution to this security issue is a well-designed applicationthat uses additional defenses to complement the system itself or external security mechanisms, such as anti-virus software. Applications should have appropriate security features built into them, which include code obfuscation, white-box cryptography, and anti-piracy and anti-debugging mechanisms.
If the above means are used, sensitive information will not be able to be read even by exploiting the ZombieLoad vulnerability.
The applications themselves must be fortresses
The ZombieLoad vulnerability is one of many critical vulnerabilities that have hit technology products. Such vulnerabilities will continue to appear in the future, which is why it is important to develop technologies that will turn applications into autonomous fortresses, capable of standing on their own.
