Indirect branch predictor storing encrypted branch information fields and security tag for security protection
US11449343B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 14, 2018 |
| Grant date | Sep 20, 2022 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 14, 2038 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F2221/033
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A system and method for efficiently protecting branch prediction information. In various embodiments, a computing system includes at least one processor with a branch predictor storing branch target addresses and security tags in a table. The security tag includes one or more components of machine context. When the branch predictor receives a portion of a first program counter of a first branch instruction, and hits on a first table entry during an access, the branch predictor reads out a first security tag. The branch predictor compares one or more components of machine context of the first security tag to one or more components of machine context of the first branch instruction. When there is at least one mismatch, the branch prediction information of the first table entry is not used. Additionally, there is no updating of any branch prediction training information of the first table entry.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.