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

In this episode, the hosts discuss the recent F5 breach, exploring the implications of the attack, the tactics used by threat actors, and the importance of vulnerability disclosure. They delve into the complexities of securing network edge devices, the challenges posed by Linux security, and the need for standardization in security practices. The conversation also touches on the future of firmware security and the necessity for proactive measures in incident response. We also close out the show taking about the recent Framework UEFI shell vulnerability. Chapters   00:00 Introduction to F5 Breach and UEFI Secure Boot Bypass 02:16 Details of the F5 Breach 04:59 Threat Actor Analysis and Implications 07:18 Vulnerability Disclosure and Exploitation Risks 10:17 Security Measures and Key Management 12:57 Proactive Defense Strategies 15:52 The Evolving Threat Landscape 18:41 Challenges in Securing Network Devices 21:10 Linux Security and Customization Issues 25:16 Kernel Customization Challenges 27:08 Security Through Obscurity 29:04 Application Security and Development Practices 33:59 Framework's UEFI Shell Vulnerability 38:22 Interdependency in Technology Ecosystems 41:48 The Need for Transparency in Signed Software  

In this episode of Below the Surface, the hosts discuss various cybersecurity topics, including the Red November campaign targeting network edge devices, the implications of the Cisco SNMP vulnerability, and the recent vulnerabilities associated with Cisco ASA devices. They also delve into the hybrid Petya ransomware and its connection to supply chain security, emphasizing the need for better visibility and security measures in network devices. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Overview of Cybersecurity Trends 02:09 Red November Campaign: Targeting Network Edge Devices 11:06 The Shift in Attack Vectors: From Windows to Network Edge 14:59 Cisco SNMP Vulnerability: A Legacy Issue 21:21 The Implications of Targeting Network Edge Devices 28:20 Addressing Legacy Issues in Cybersecurity 29:41 Emerging Threats in Cybersecurity 32:19 The Age of Vulnerabilities 33:40 The Importance of Asset Inventory 35:38 Challenges in Device Security 37:22 Visibility and Detection Limitations 39:28 Vendor Responses to Vulnerabilities 41:24 Supply Chain Security Crisis 46:59 Understanding Hybrid Petya 52:11 The Evolution of Attack Techniques  

Dive into the intriguing world of cybersecurity, where Hybrid Petya's evolution poses new threats. UEFI vulnerabilities and the challenges of secure boot are dissected, alongside risks tied to Windows 10's end of life. The podcast shines a light on Cisco ASA device exposures and the alarming rise of supply chain attacks, such as NPM worms. Row Hammer attacks targeting DDR5 technology add to the complexity, emphasizing the need for enhanced visibility and robust security practices. Explore how shifting consumer trust is impacting software choices!

In this episode of Below the Surface, host Paul Asadoorian speaks with Evan Dornbush, CEO of Desired Effect, about the evolving landscape of exploit marketplaces and vulnerability research. They discuss the challenges researchers face in monetizing their findings, the ethical implications of selling exploits, and the importance of timely intelligence for defenders. The conversation also touches on the role of AI in vulnerability research, the dynamics between buyers and sellers in the marketplace, and the impact of end-of-life devices on cybersecurity. Overall, the episode provides valuable insights into the complexities of the exploit marketplace and the need for a more proactive approach to cybersecurity.   Chapters   00:00 Introduction to Desired Effect and Evan Dornbush 02:35 The Evolution of Exploit Marketplaces 05:06 Monetizing Vulnerability Research 07:46 The Role of Disclosure in Exploit Sales 10:28 Understanding the Value of Exploits 13:14 Ethics and Motivations in Vulnerability Research 15:51 Validation of Vulnerabilities and Exploits 18:29 Buyer Vetting and Market Dynamics 21:31 Proactive Defense Strategies 24:32 Market Insights and Future Trends 27:43 The Marketplace for Exploits 31:08 The Role of Researchers and Vendors 34:51 The Asymmetry in Cybersecurity 38:03 Economic Incentives in Cybersecurity 40:25 The Complexity of Risk Management 43:57 The Future of Exploit Disclosure 47:23 The Role of AI in Cybersecurity 53:31 Closing Thoughts on Exploit Ethics  

Chase Snyder, a security practitioner focused on network and firmware security, and Vlad Babkin, a firmware expert specializing in UEFI and hardware vulnerabilities, delve into crucial cybersecurity issues. They discuss the dangers of UEFI settings that can lead to hardware risks and the evolution of sophisticated Mirai variants targeting IoT devices. The conversation highlights the implications of emerging regulations like the EU Cyber Resilience Act, while stressing the need for better security measures against evolving malware and hardware threats.

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  

The discussion centers around the critical vulnerabilities of Baseboard Management Controllers, specifically CVE-2024-54085. The hosts explain how easily attackers can exploit this vulnerability and its implications for data center security. They tackle challenges in detecting and mitigating these risks, emphasizing the importance of firmware updates. Practical operational advice includes the need for organizations to patch systems and limit BMC network access. Community tools that aid in vulnerability detection also receive significant attention.

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