Code & Firmware Integrity

Definition

Put measures in place to verify and validate the integrity of the code and the integrity of the firmware

How it works

Code integrity involves hashing, digital signatures, and checksums to verify software integrity, while firmware integrity uses signed images, secure boot, and rollback protection. For both, read-only memory (ROM) protection, hardware-based security, and continuous monitoring ensure unaltered states. Encryption secures firmware, and regular updates bolster defenses against unauthorized changes, maintaining the overall integrity and security of systems.

In robotics

The integrity of code and firmware is fundamental to the secure and reliable operation of robotic systems. Ensuring that the software controlling a robot has not been tampered with or compromised is critical for preventing unauthorized access, maintaining the system's trustworthiness, and avoiding potential safety risks. Implementing measures such as code signing, secure boot processes, and regular cryptographic checks helps establish a chain of trust, verifying that the code executing on the robot originates from a legitimate and unaltered source. By prioritizing the integrity of code and firmware, robotic systems enhance their resilience against malicious attacks, unauthorized modifications, and potential vulnerabilities, contributing to the overall security and dependability of these intelligent machines.

Considerations

• Use version control systems to track code changes.
• Sign code and firmware with digital signatures for authenticity..
• Regularly update and patch firmware to address vulnerabilities.

Related ATTACK Techniques

Tamper Control Logic

References

Introducing the Robot Security Framework (RSF), a standardized methodology to perform security assessments in robotics

Robot Vulnerability Database (RVD)