December 4, 2023 at 03:06AM
UEFI firmware from various vendors contains high-impact flaws in image parsing libraries, dubbed LogoFAIL by Binarly, which can be exploited to bypass security measures like Secure Boot and deliver persistent malware during boot-up using malicious logo images. The widespread vulnerabilities, affecting many x86 and ARM devices, will be detailed at the Black Hat Europe conference.
Meeting Summary:
– **Topic:** Firmware Security – Vulnerability in UEFI
– **Label:** Vulnerability termed as LogoFAIL
– **Impacted Parties:** Various independent firmware/BIOS vendors (IBVs)
– **Security Impact:** High-impact flaws found in image parsing libraries of firmware can allow attackers to bypass key security technologies like Secure Boot and Intel Boot Guard.
– **Malware Delivery:** Attackers can inject a malicious logo image file into the EFI system partition to deliver persistent malware during the boot phase.
– **Affected Devices:** The issue affects both x86 and ARM-based devices but is specific to UEFI and the vendors involved. Major IBVs like AMI, Insyde, and Phoenix are affected, alongside a wide range of consumer and enterprise devices from vendors like Intel, Acer, and Lenovo.
– **Vulnerability Detail:** Specific flaws mentioned are a heap-based buffer overflow and an out-of-bounds read, with more details to be revealed at the Black Hat Europe conference.
– **Execution of Attack:** Triggered when injected images are parsed, this could potentially lead to the execution of payloads that tamper with normal system boot flow and existing security measures.
– **Security Comparison:** Unlike previous vulnerabilities like BlackLotus or BootHole, LogoFAIL does not compromise runtime integrity by altering the boot loader or firmware components.
– **Historical Context:** This is the first public acknowledgment of UEFI firmware vulnerabilities related to graphic image parsers since 2009.
– **Industry Commentary:** Binarly suggested that the discovery of these types of security vulnerabilities indicates a lack of maturity in product security and poor code quality in IBVs’ reference code.
– **Follow-Up:** For further information and developments on this issue, follow relevant updates via Twitter and LinkedIn.
Action Items:
1. **Security Briefing:** Arrange a security briefing with IT to understand potential impacts on company devices and infrastructure.
2. **Vendor Communication:** Reach out to affected IBVs for updates and patches regarding LogoFAIL vulnerabilities.
3. **Endpoint Protection Review:** Ensure endpoint security solutions are up-to-date and assess if they can defend against these types of firmware attacks.
4. **Awareness Campaign:** Initiate internal communications to make staff aware of the potential threat and any required actions on their part, especially those using affected devices.
5. **Follow-Up Reporting:** Keep track of the information to be presented at the Black Hat Europe conference for a detailed understanding of the vulnerabilities and remediation techniques.
6. **Update Tracking:** Monitor social media channels, particularly the company’s Twitter and LinkedIn, for updates and share relevant information with the IT security team.