Risky Bulletin Srsly Risky Biz: Comparing Chinese and American 0day pipelines
Jun 26, 2025
The hosts delve into a fascinating comparison of U.S. and Chinese 0-day vulnerability acquisition methods. While the U.S. insists on stealth and exclusive exploits, China casts a wide net, raising questions about effectiveness and national security. They also explore the complexities of U.S. cyber operations, particularly regarding strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, revealing a less glamorous reality than often believed. Plus, there’s a discussion on potential reforms necessary for improving American cybersecurity compared to China's open market approach.
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US vs Chinese 0Day Pipelines
- The US zero-day pipeline focuses narrowly on extremely stealthy, reliable exploits acquired through a close-knit, insider club.
- China uses a broader approach, accepting many exploits regardless of stealth, aligning with their strategic culture.
Broad Training and Pipelines Matter
- Finding high-quality zero-days is becoming harder, suggesting the US should widen its acquisition funnel.
- China's approach includes formal training and direct pipelines from universities to cyber espionage firms, which the US system lacks.
Loosen Restrictions for Certain Uses
- The US should loosen zero-day acquisition restrictions for certain cases like organized crime investigations.
- Not every exploit use case requires extreme stealth; broader use and transparency could help agencies like the FBI.