Below the Surface (Audio) - The Supply Chain Security Podcast

In this episode, the hosts discuss various cybersecurity topics, focusing on hardware vulnerabilities, UEFI attack vectors, and the implications of new regulations on device security. They explore the evolution of Mirai variants targeting IoT devices and the challenges of securing firmware. The conversation highlights the need for improved security measures and the complexities of managing vulnerabilities in a rapidly changing technological landscape.   00:00 Introduction and Technical Challenges 02:37 Exploring UEFI Settings and Hardware Vulnerabilities 10:14 The Risks of UEFI Control and Physical Damage 16:33 Static Tundra: Cyber Espionage and Exploits 22:23 Targeting Vulnerable Infrastructure in Cyber Attacks 26:27 Emerging Threats in IoT and Network Devices 31:55 The Evolution of Malware: A Deep Dive 34:30 The Challenge of Securing IoT Devices 35:13 Impact of EU Cyber Resilience Act 38:14 Vulnerability Management and Vendor Responsibilities 41:54 Living Outside the Operating System: New Attack Vectors  

In this episode of Below the Surface, host Paul Asadoorian is joined by Brian Mullen, head of SSDLC at AMI, to discuss the complexities of supply chain and firmware security. They explore the challenges of maintaining security in a complicated supply chain, the importance of proactive and reactive security measures, and the implications of end-of-life software. The conversation also touches on the gaming industry's push for secure boot, recent vulnerabilities discovered in firmware, and the role of BMCs in security. Brian shares insights into AMI's approach to vulnerability management and the future of firmware security, including the significance of Software Bill of Materials (SBOMs). Whitepaper: https://eclypsium.com/wp-content/uploads/OpenBMC-Security-in-Practice.pdf  Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Technical Setup 01:46 The Challenges of Podcasting and Marketing 03:42 Understanding AMI and Its Role in Firmware Security 06:13 Supply Chain Complexity and Security Measures 08:49 Proactive vs Reactive Security in Firmware 11:17 The Importance of Stable Firmware in Security 13:54 Navigating Vulnerabilities in UEFI and OpenSSL 16:24 The Impact of Cherry-Picking Security Updates 19:11 Tracking Vulnerabilities Across the Supply Chain 21:50 Solutions for Data Center Firmware Management 24:21 Future Directions in Vulnerability Management 24:38 Navigating Vulnerability Management 28:30 End of Life and Support Challenges 31:55 Gaming Security and Anti-Cheat Mechanisms 35:38 The Complexity of Secure Boot Implementation 36:50 Recent Vulnerabilities and Security Research 39:44 Understanding BMC Security 43:34 Open Source and BMC Development 46:30 The Role of SBOMs in Security Compliance

In this episode, the hosts discuss various cybersecurity topics, focusing on Nvidia vulnerabilities, the implications of backdoors in technology, and the importance of secure boot and certificate management. They also delve into SonicWall's security challenges and the ongoing debate of building versus buying security solutions, particularly in the context of AI infrastructure and cloud services. Articles and topics for this week:   https://blog.trailofbits.com/2025/08/04/uncovering-memory-corruption-in-nvidia-triton-as-a-new-hire/ https://mjg59.dreamwidth.org/72892.html - Secure Boot and certificates https://www.tomshardware.com/pc-components/gpus/nvidia-defiant-over-backdoors-and-kill-switches-in-gpus-as-u-s-mulls-tracking-requirements-calls-them-permanent-flaws-that-are-a-gift-to-hackers -  https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/sonicwall-urges-admins-to-disable-sslvpn-amid-rising-attacks/ -  https://www.darkreading.com/endpoint-security/shade-bios-technique-beats-security -  Researcher's previous paper on SMM and malware: https://arxiv.org/abs/2405.04355  He presented at Blackhat last year on Option ROMS: https://www.blackhat.com/us-24/briefings/schedule/index.html#youve-already-been-hacked-what-if-there-is-a-backdoor-in-your-uefi-orom-39579 - YouTube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_S6EymfaBqQ   

In this episode of Below the Surface, the hosts discuss critical cybersecurity topics including vulnerabilities in Netgear and Gigabyte devices, the importance of asset inventory, and the implications of Row Hammer attacks on memory integrity. They emphasize the need for organizations to implement compensating controls and monitor for potential threats, especially in the context of supply chain security and IoT devices.   Chapters   00:00 Introduction to Cybersecurity Challenges 02:20 Exploring Netgear's Role in Enterprise Security 09:08 The Impact of Shadow IT on Network Security 15:04 Firmware Integrity and Security Measures 18:05 Gigabyte's UEFI Vulnerabilities and Industry Implications 22:25 Understanding UEFI Vulnerabilities 28:46 Consumer vs. Enterprise Hardware Security 35:06 Monitoring and Mitigating Firmware Risks 41:11 The Impact of ECC on AI Performance  

In this episode, the hosts delve into the critical vulnerabilities associated with Baseboard Management Controllers (BMCs), with a particular focus on CVE-2024-54085. They discuss the ease of exploitation, the potential threat actors involved, and the implications for data center security. The conversation highlights the challenges in detecting and mitigating these vulnerabilities, the importance of firmware updates, and the need for community tools to aid in vulnerability detection and mitigation. The episode concludes with a call to action for organizations to patch their systems and implement robust security measures. Chapters   00:00 Introduction to BMC Vulnerabilities 02:21 Exploring CVE 2024-54085 05:04 Understanding Exploitation and Threat Actors 07:47 The Implications of BMC Vulnerabilities 10:46 Mitigation Strategies and Challenges 13:35 The Future of BMC Security 28:36 Understanding BMC Vulnerabilities 36:24 The Importance of Disclosure and Community Tools 45:13 Navigating Firmware Updates and Vendor Challenges 52:19 Community Engagement and Future Considerations  

In this episode, the hosts discuss the evolving landscape of AI infrastructure security, focusing on the complexities of building and maintaining AI data centers. They explore the critical role of Baseboard Management Controllers (BMCs) as an attack surface, the importance of supply chain security, and best practices for hardware procurement. The conversation underscores the importance of validating hardware and firmware integrity for organizations while also addressing the significant security risks associated with AI workloads. As AI data centers continue to grow, understanding these challenges and implementing robust security measures will be essential for future success. Chapters   00:00 Introduction to Zero Trust and Its Evolution 03:33 Current State of Zero Trust Implementation 05:22 Micro-Segmentation and Infrastructure Security 10:02 Zero Trust and Lateral Movement Prevention 11:32 The Role of Zero Trust in Ransomware Defense 14:51 Chase Cunningham's Insights on Cyber Warfare 16:23 The Intersection of Cyber Warfare and Modern Conflicts 21:35 The Future of Warfare: Drones and Cybersecurity 24:01 Understanding the Drone Threat 28:28 The Evolution of Cyber Warfare 35:00 The State of Critical Infrastructure 39:26 The Economics of Breaches 44:29 Incentivizing Cybersecurity Improvements  

In this episode, the hosts discuss the evolving landscape of AI infrastructure security, focusing on the complexities of building and maintaining AI data centers. They explore the critical role of Baseboard Management Controllers (BMCs) as an attack surface, the importance of supply chain security, and best practices for hardware procurement. The conversation underscores the importance of validating hardware and firmware integrity for organizations while also addressing the significant security risks associated with AI workloads. As AI data centers continue to grow, understanding these challenges and implementing robust security measures will be essential for future success.

In this episode, the hosts discuss the impending end of life for Windows 10 and the necessary preparations for upgrading to Windows 11. They explore the specific hardware requirements for Windows 11, including the importance of Secure Boot and TPM 2.0, and the challenges enterprises face in managing large-scale migrations. The conversation underscores the importance of meticulous planning to prevent costly failures and the influence of legacy systems on the upgrade process. In this conversation, the speakers discuss the implications of transitioning to Windows 11, focusing on the challenges posed by legacy systems, supply chain issues, and the importance of modern hardware for security. They delve into the Black Lotus UEFI boot kit and the necessary mitigations, emphasizing the need for organizations to validate their security controls and establish a robust trust framework. The discussion also highlights the growing importance of third-party risk management in cybersecurity, particularly in relation to supply chain security.  

Summary In this episode, Paul Asadoorian and Joshua Marpet delve into the complexities of compliance, inventory management, and the emerging concepts of SBOMs, HBOMs, and FBOMs (no, not that FBOM). They discuss the importance of understanding the components and origins of hardware and software, the challenges of managing technology lifecycles, and the need for clear standards and regulations in the tech industry. The conversation emphasizes the critical role of asset inventories in maintaining security and compliance in an ever-evolving technological landscape. In this conversation, Joshua Marpet and Paul Asadoorian delve into the complexities of hardware security, the cultural shifts needed in security practices, and the importance of transparency in software and firmware management. They discuss the challenges posed by hardware backdoors, the necessity of Software Bill of Materials (SBOMs), and the hidden risks associated with firmware updates. The dialogue emphasizes the need for a cultural change in how organizations approach security and compliance, advocating for continuous management and transparency to inspire confidence in security practices. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Technical Challenges 02:02 Exploring Compliance and Frameworks 05:06 Understanding S-bombs, H-bombs, and F-bombs 10:10 The Importance of Inventory and Asset Management 15:01 Navigating Hardware and Software Lifecycle 19:58 Standards and Regulations in Technology 23:56 The Manchurian Microchip and Hardware Backdoors 27:44 Cultural Change in Security Practices 30:47 The Importance of Transparency and SBOMs 36:39 Challenges in Compliance and Risk Management 42:42 The Hidden Risks of Firmware and Hardware Updates

In this episode, Paul Asadorian and Josh Bressers delve into the complexities of open source supply chain security, discussing the prevalence of open source components in modern software, the challenges posed by legacy systems, and the critical importance of vulnerability management. They explore the regulatory landscape surrounding software liability and the need for better tools and practices to ensure secure product development. The conversation highlights the necessity of understanding dependencies and the implications of consumer security in a market driven by features rather than security. In this conversation, Josh Bressers and Paul discuss the importance of Software Bill of Materials (SBOMs) in enhancing supply chain security and vulnerability management. They explore the role of metadata in programming languages like Go and Rust, the challenges of accurately identifying vulnerabilities through CVEs, and the need for better automation in vulnerability detection. The discussion also touches on the potential of AI in identifying vulnerabilities, the introduction of tools like SIFT and GRIPE for generating SBOMs and scanning for vulnerabilities, and the future implications of these technologies in software security.  

In this episode, Paul and Chase delve into the world of hardware hacking, focusing on devices like the Flipper Zero and ESP32. They discuss the various applications of these tools, their impact on awareness in the hacking community, and the security implications surrounding their use. The conversation also touches on vulnerabilities in hotel security systems, challenges in remediating legacy systems, and the commoditization of hacking tools. Through practical examples and insights, the hosts explore the evolving landscape of cybersecurity and the role of hardware in it. In this conversation, Paul and Chase delve into the world of hardware hacking, discussing the accessibility of devices like the Flipper Zero and ESP32, the importance of supply chain security, and the real-world implications of vulnerabilities in firmware and bootloaders. They emphasize the need for validation in the supply chain and explore the growing interface between hardware hacking and enterprise risk. 

In this episode, Paul Asadoorian, Vlad Babkin, and Chase Snyder delve into the latest vulnerability disclosures related to Baseboard Management Controllers (BMCs), specifically focusing on AMI Megarac and Redfish. They discuss the nature of the vulnerabilities, the discovery process, and the potential impacts of a BMC compromise. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding BMCs in the context of supply chain security and the risks associated with exposing these components to the internet. The conversation delves into the vulnerabilities associated with Baseboard Management Controllers (BMCs), particularly focusing on the Redfish API and the potential for exploitation. The speakers discuss the implications of these vulnerabilities on hardware, the challenges faced by vendors in patching, and the importance of network segmentation and monitoring. They also highlight the limitations of logging and the effectiveness of Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) in this context. The discussion emphasizes the need for robust security measures to protect enterprise networks from potential attacks.

In this episode, Paul Asadoorian, Vlad Babkin, and Chase Snyder delve into the recent leaks from the Black Basta ransomware group, exploring the implications of the leaked chat logs, the operational tactics of the group, and the evolving landscape of ransomware attacks. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding threat intelligence derived from these leaks, the significance of targeting exposed devices, and the necessity of robust security measures to mitigate risks. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the evolving tactics of ransomware groups, emphasizing the importance of understanding their operational scale and methodologies. They discuss the significance of early detection and the necessity for organizations to adopt robust defensive strategies, particularly in credential management and vulnerability monitoring. The conversation highlights the need for enterprises to harden their defenses against potential intrusions and the critical role of effective password management in mitigating risks.

In this episode, Paul, Vlad, and Chase discuss the security challenges of Palo Alto devices and network appliances. They explore the vulnerabilities present in these devices, the importance of best practices in device management, and the need for automatic updates. The conversation highlights the evolving nature of firmware vulnerabilities and the necessity for compensating controls to mitigate risks. The hosts emphasize the responsibility of vendors to ensure their products are secure and the need for a shift in user expectations regarding security appliances. In this conversation, the speakers discuss the pressing need for improved security standards in network appliances, the challenges posed by auto updates and supply chain security, and the importance of implementing zero trust principles. They also delve into the role of firmware encryption and key management in enhancing security while emphasizing the necessity of monitoring and detection to safeguard against vulnerabilities.  

In this episode, Paul Asadorian and Chase Snyder discuss the latest security threats and vulnerabilities affecting network appliances, particularly focusing on Avanti and Fortinet platforms. They explore the increasing risks associated with these devices, the need for improved security standards, and the challenges of risk management and visibility in network security. The conversation emphasizes the importance of accountability among vendors and the necessity for customers to demand better security practices. In this conversation, Chase Snyder and Paul discuss the challenges and vulnerabilities in network security, particularly focusing on network appliances and the lack of standardization in security measures. They highlight the shift of attackers towards these devices due to their low visibility and the need for better transparency and monitoring. The discussion also covers specific vulnerabilities in Fortinet products, the implications of rolling disclosures, and best practices for securing network devices.