Cache Side-Channel Attacks and Mitigations
Software-based side-channel attacks can pose a severe security threat in practice. In this course, we focus on a particularly prominent case: caches and cache side-channel attacks and we will go beyond the basic Flush+Reload attack. You will work with different cache side channels and understand where timing differences in architectures originate. You will learn which mechanisms can mitigate specific side-channel techniques in practice.
Monthly Subscription Starting at AED 99 + VAT
- Level Awareness
- Course by Graz University of Technology
- Total students 44 enrolled
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Offered by
About
In this course, we build upon basic knowledge of software-based timing and cache attacks as well as the side-channel mindset. Same as in the prior courses, we do not just enumerate side-channel effects but we provide you with the experience of discovering side channels yourself in a group of students, living in a shared appartment. We dive deeper into the microarchitecture and get an in-depth understanding of virtual memory and caches in the course. We will learn about different cache side channels, such as Flush+Flush, Evict+Reload, and Prime+Probe. This requires some skills in reading and writing code, mainly C code. You will learn which attacks are relevant in the concrete native and virtualized environments you are working with, contributing to your risk assessment skills. In a set of small exercises, you will demonstrate that you understood the virtual memory, caches, and are able to find and exploit cache side channels in small software programs.
What you will learn
- Spot and exploit side channels in cache hierarchies of concrete systems
- Use different software-based cache side channels to extract secret information
- Understand the security risks posed by cache side channels and which cache side channels can be mitigated in practice
Skills you learn
Syllabus
- Episode 1: Down the Rabbit Hole
The flatmates figure out how virtual addresses and caches work and they start realizing which timing differences might be hidden in there.
- Episode 2: Gone with the Flush
The flatmates discover the Flush+Flush and Evict+Reload attacks and learn a lot about how cache replacement works.
- Episode 3: Optimus Prime+Probe
The flatmates discover the Prime+Probe attack. They realize that it works in cases where Flush+Reload does not work and believe it is something completely new.
- Episode 4: Jonas and the Template of Doom
The flatmates realize that they can scan binaries for cache activity and automatically build cache side-channel attacks with that, forming the concept of Cache Template Attacks. In the end, upon Jonas' suggestion, they retrieve the Template of Doom; but they also attack AES for instance.
- Episode 5: Drama with Manuel
Manuel hurt his leg and cannot move. The timing differences he introduces in the flat activity inspire the discovery of DRAM Addressing (DRAMA) side channels.
Auto Summary
Discover the intricacies of cache side-channel attacks and their mitigations in this IT & Computer Science course on edX. Perfect for those with a basic understanding of software-based timing and cache attacks, this course delves into the microarchitecture of virtual memory and caches. Learn about various cache side channels like Flush+Flush, Evict+Reload, and Prime+Probe through hands-on exercises. Ideal for professionals looking to enhance their risk assessment skills in native and virtualized environments.
Daniel Gruss