Micro-Star International, also known as MSI, had its UEFI signing key stolen last month, which raises the possibility that the leaked key could push out updates that would infect a computer’s most vulnerable areas without triggering a warning. This could lead to the possibility of a supply chain attack that could compromise the security of thousands of users. MSI doesn’t have an automated patching process the way Dell, HP, and many larger hardware makers do, so MSI doesn’t provide the same kind of key revocation capabilities.
Delivering a signed payload isn’t an easy task. Gaining the kind of control required to compromise a software build system is generally a non-trivial event that requires a great deal of skill and possibly some luck. However, with the stolen key, it just got a whole lot easier. The key could be used by an attacker to sign malicious payloads that could be distributed in the supply chain, infecting target systems without detection.
This incident highlights the importance of having a strong security infrastructure in place. Larger hardware makers, such as Dell and HP, have automated patching processes and key revocation capabilities, which makes them less vulnerable to supply chain attacks. MSI’s lack of these capabilities make them an easier target for attackers.
Users should be aware of the potential risks and take steps to protect themselves from supply chain attacks. They should always keep their software and firmware up-to-date, and install security updates as soon as they become available. They should also be wary of downloading software or firmware from unknown sources and always verify the authenticity of the source before installing anything.
In conclusion, the stolen UEFI signing key from MSI is a reminder of the importance of having a strong security infrastructure in place. The incident highlights the potential risks associated with supply chain attacks and the need for users to take steps to protect themselves. Key revocation and automated patching processes are essential for preventing such attacks, and larger hardware makers, such as Dell and HP, have already implemented these measures. Users should remain vigilant and take appropriate measures to protect themselves from such attacks.
