GRUB2 is the default bootloader for many Linux-based systems
U-boot and Barebox bootloaders are typically used in embedded systems
Microsoft discovered 11 security flaws in the GRUB2 bootloader
Bootloader maintainers have released security updates to fix the issues
Photo Credit: Microsoft
Microsoft Security Copilot, an artificial intelligence (AI) cybersecurity tool, was used to discover several previously unknown vulnerabilities in open-source bootloaders. The Redmond-based tech giant recently revealed a list of the security flaws discovered in three commonly used bootloaders. One of the bootloaders is the default for many Linux-based systems, while the other two are typically used for embedded systems and Internet of Things (IoT) devices. Notably, Microsoft has informed the bootloader maintainers about the exploits, and they have released security updates to fix them.
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In a blog post, Microsoft detailed the discovery process and extent of risk with these vulnerabilities. The company used Security Copilot, an AI-powered security analysis tool that can assist in protecting organisations from threat actors as well as discovering security flaws. These vulnerabilities were detected in GRand Unified Bootloader (GRUB2), U-Boot, and Barebox, commonly used bootloaders for operating systems and devices.
GRUB2 is the default bootloader for many Linux-based systems, whereas U-Boot and Barebox are generally seen in embedded systems and IoT devices. Notably, a bootloader is a small program that runs before the operating system (OS) starts. It is responsible for loading the OS into memory and initiating the boot process.
By using AI, Microsoft Threat Intelligence discovered 11 vulnerabilities in GRUB2, including issues like integer overflows, buffer overflows, and a cryptographic side-channel flaw. These security flaws could allow threat actors to bypass the Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) Secure Boot, which is designed to prevent unauthorised code from running during the boot process.
Security Copilot also discovered nine vulnerabilities in U-Boot and Barebox. These were primarily buffer overflows that affected file systems such as SquashFS, EXT4, CramFS, JFFS2, and symlinks. Notably, the threat actor would need to have physical access to the device to exploit these flaws, however, the security risk still exists.
In the case of GRUB2, Microsoft explained that the vulnerabilities could be exploited by attackers to install stealthy bootkits remotely. This is concerning, as such bootkits can persist even after reinstalling the operating system or replacing the hard drive.
The teams behind GRUB2, U-Boot, and Barebox have already released security updates in February to address these vulnerabilities. Users are advised to update their systems to the latest versions to protect themselves from potential cyberattacks.
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