Side channel attack countermeasures for secure bootloading
US10769280B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 13, 2018 |
| Grant date | Sep 8, 2020 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 29, 2039 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04L2209/26
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A system and method for minimizing the likelihood that the secret key used by a bootloader is compromised is disclosed. A bootloader is installed on the device. The bootloader is a software program that performs many functions. These functions may include checking the checksum of the incoming software image for integrity, decrypting the incoming software image using a secret key, deleting data in the FLASH memory, installing the new software image in the FLASH memory and other functions. The bootloader utilizes various techniques to track the versions of the software image being installed. The method counts the number of incomplete attempts that are made when trying to update the software image. By monitoring these parameters, the bootloader can determine when a malicious actor is attempting a side channel attack. In response, the bootloader may not allow a new software image to be loaded or the secret key to be accessed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.