Programmers have discovered vulnerabilities in fingerprint sensors and crypto wallets

Researchers from the University of Duisburg-Essen have developed a technique that for the first time allows

fuzzy testing of protected memory areas. Researchers use fuzzing to test selected areas protected by Intel Software Guard Extension (SGX) technology. 

SGX is a popular technology used forprotection of confidential data. With it, developers can protect a specific area of ​​memory from the rest of the computer. For example, in such a dedicated zone, it is safe to run a password manager even on an infected computer, the authors of the study explain.

Fuzzing testing uses input inlarge amount of data program to get an idea of ​​the structure and quality of the code. This method allows for automated or semi-automated testing to quickly identify vulnerabilities. The complexity of this approach lies in the fact that fuzzing requires nested data structures that must be reconstructed from the protected area code.

Since enclaves are not designed for introspection, it is difficult to apply fuzzing to them.

Tobias Klouster, security expert at the University of Duisburg-Essen, co-author of the testing methodology

Researchers report that they have succeededanalyze shielded areas without access to source code and identify multiple vulnerabilities in security-critical software.

For example, all testedfingerprint drivers, as well as cryptocurrency wallets. Hackers can use these vulnerabilities to read biometric data or steal the entire balance of the stored cryptocurrency.

Security experts have already informed software companies about the vulnerabilities found.

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