CAPEC-677
Server Motherboard Compromise
Malware is inserted in a server motherboard (e.g., in the flash memory) in order to alter server functionality from that intended. The development environment or hardware/software support activity environment is susceptible to an adversary inserting malicious software into hardware components during development or update.
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Explain the attack pattern CAPEC-677: Server Motherboard Compromise: how it unfolds, what it needs and how to prevent and detect it in my systems. Use https://capec.mitre.org/data/definitions/677.html and https://cve.bz/cve/capec/677?via=ask-ai-copy, which lists recent CVEs with the weaknesses it exploits. Cite the sources.Opens a third-party assistant; its answer is its own, not cve.bz's. The prompt holds only this attack pattern's id and public links.
Prerequisites
An adversary with access to hardware/software processes and tools within the development or hardware/software support environment can insert malicious software into hardware components during development or update/maintenance.
Consequences
| Impact | Affects | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Execute Unauthorized Commands | Integrity |
Mitigations
Purchase IT systems, components and parts from government approved vendors whenever possible.
Establish diversity among suppliers.
Conduct rigorous threat assessments of suppliers.
Require that Bills of Material (BoM) for critical parts and components be certified.
Utilize contract language requiring contractors and subcontractors to flow down to subcontractors and suppliers SCRM and SCRA (Supply Chain Risk Assessment) requirements.
Establish trusted supplier networks.
Related attack patterns
- Part of
- CAPEC-534 Malicious Hardware Update
Examples
Malware is inserted into the Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) software that resides on a flash me…
Malware is inserted into the Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) software that resides on a flash memory chip soldered to a computer’s motherboard. It is the first thing to turn on when a system is booted and is allowed access to almost every part of the operating system. Hence, the malware will have extensive control over operating system functions and persist after system reboots. [REF-685]
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