Recently, a new firmware attack called LogoFAIL has been discovered, targeting devices running Windows or Linux. This attack exploits vulnerabilities in the Unified Extensible Firmware Interfaces (UEFIs) responsible for booting these devices. LogoFAIL involves replacing legitimate logo images displayed during the boot process with specially crafted ones that exploit image parsers in UEFIs.
The vulnerabilities in UEFIs have gone unnoticed for years and are present in major BIOS vendors, device manufacturers, and CPU makers. Once the malicious code is executed during the boot process, it gives attackers full control over the device’s memory and disk, including the operating system.
One interesting aspect of this vulnerability is that it affects the BIOS, which is separate from the operating system and not protected by its defenses. The ability for corporate buyers to display their own logos in the BIOS makes it necessary for the vulnerabilities to exist in this component.
The discovery of LogoFAIL highlights the need for improved security measures in firmware and BIOS development. The BIOS makers may have overlooked the vulnerabilities in the image parsing libraries they used, leaving devices vulnerable to such attacks.
In conclusion,
Key Points:
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– LogoFAIL is a firmware attack that targets devices running Windows or Linux.
– The attack exploits vulnerabilities in UEFIs responsible for booting devices.
– Logo images displayed during the boot process are replaced with malicious ones.
– Once executed, the attack provides full control over the device’s memory and disk.
– The vulnerabilities in UEFIs have gone unnoticed for years, affecting major BIOS vendors, device manufacturers, and CPU makers.
– The BIOS is separate from the operating system and not protected by its defenses.
– Improved security measures should be implemented in firmware and BIOS development to prevent such attacks.