Confidential computing’s core trust mechanism is broken. The fix may not exist


Vendors are trying to position “confidential computing” as the technical backbone of Europe’s sovereign cloud ambitions. But new research shows that a security protocol used to prove cryptographic trust in the system may have a fundamental architectural flaw.

Confidential computing rests on a mechanism called remote attestation, in which a server cryptographically proves to a client that it is running inside a genuine, unmodified Trusted Execution Environment (TEE) before any sensitive data changes hands. Intel’s product pages promise TDX will “add safeguards to data sovereignty and governance.” Google Cloud describes its confidential computing infrastructure as offering “full, auditable control over access to customer data.”

Read more…
Source:  The Register


Sign up for the Cyber Security Review Newsletter
The latest cyber security news and insights delivered right to your inbox


Related:

  • Prepare to Defend Your Network Against Swarm-as-a-Service

    January 31, 2019

    Swarm technology may be a game changer for the bad guys if organizations don’t change their tactics. The digital world we now inhabit creates unprecedented opportunities – both for good and for ill. One of these possibilities is swarm-based tools that can be used to either attack or defend the network. This possibility, or set of possibilities, ...

  • Theoretical Ransomware Attack Could Lead to Global Damages Says Report

    January 29, 2019

    According to a speculative cyber risk scenario prepared by Cambridge University for risk management purposes, a ransomware strain that would manage to impact more than 600,000 businesses worldwide within 24 hours would potentially lead to damages of billions not covered by insurers. First of all, it is important to understand that although the numbers look very scary, this type of ...

  • Global ransomware could cost almost $200bn

    January 29, 2019

    A global ransomware attack could cost $193 billion and affect more than 600,000 businesses worldwide, according to a new report. The report is called ‘Bashe Attack: Global infection by contagious malware’ and has been compiled by a Singapore-based public-private initiative called Cyber Risk Management. Lloyds of London is one of the initiatives founding members and posted ...

  • Hackers are going after Cisco RV320/RV325 routers using a new exploit

    January 27, 2019

    Security researchers have observed ongoing internet scans and exploitation attempts against Cisco RV320 and RV325 WAN VPN routers, two models very popular among internet service providers and large enterprises. ttacks started on Friday, January 25, after security researcher David Davidson published a proof-of-concept exploit for two Cisco RV320 and RV325 vulnerabilities. The vulnerabilities are: CVE-2019-1653 – allows a remote attacker to get sensitive device configuration details ...

  • ‘Chaos’ iPhone X Attack Alleges Remote Jailbreak

    January 25, 2019

    The attack makes use of previously disclosed critical vulnerabilities in the Apple Safari web browser and iOS. A Chinese security researcher has published what he claims is a proof-of-concept exploit that would allow a remote attacker to jailbreak an iPhoneX, unbeknownst to the user – allowing them to gain access to a victim’s data, processing power ...

  • GreyEnergy’s overlap with Zebrocy

    January 24, 2019

    In October 2018, ESET published a report describing a set of activity they called GreyEnergy, which is believed to be a successor to BlackEnergy group. BlackEnergy (a.k.a. Sandworm) is best known, among other things, for having been involved in attacks against Ukrainian energy facilities in 2015, which led to power outages. Like its predecessor, GreyEnergy malware has ...