BIOS Memory Write Counters for Secure Boot Integrity Checks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional computing platforms lack effective security measures to validate, protect, and monitor Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) or boot code, which can lead to system compromise if breached.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method and system that uses cyclic-redundancy-check (CRC) checksums or other error detection algorithms to monitor and validate BIOS, comparing checksums with control values, and updating them if necessary, while embedding counters in memory to track write operations and detect unauthorized modifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional computing systems are used without embedded counters, then the system structure remains simple, but the BIOS security and integrity monitoring capability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds counters directly within the memory structure that stores the BIOS code. The counters are nested inside the same memory device, creating a compact integrated security mechanism without adding external components. This nesting approach enhances BIOS security while minimizing structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The embedded counters automatically track write operations to the BIOS memory without requiring external monitoring hardware or complex verification systems. The memory structure itself provides the security function through its built-in counter mechanism, enabling self-service security monitoring.
2Measurement precision
If embedded counters are added to monitor BIOS write operations, then the detection precision of unauthorized modifications improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The counters are integrated within the memory device structure, nested alongside the BIOS storage locations. This integration allows precise tracking of write operations to specific memory addresses without requiring separate external counter devices, thereby improving detection precision while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The memory structure is segmented into distinct regions: BIOS code storage locations and associated counter locations. Each counter is specifically assigned to monitor write operations to its corresponding BIOS segment. This segmentation enables precise monitoring of individual BIOS sections while maintaining an organized and manageable memory structure.
3Reliability
If CRC checksum verification is implemented on BIOS contents, then the reliability of boot code validation improves, but the processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs CRC checksum verification of the BIOS code during the boot process before transferring control to the BIOS. By conducting this validation check in advance, during the initial boot sequence, the system ensures boot code reliability without significantly impacting overall system performance, as the verification occurs during a time when the system is already initializing.
Solution Approach 2:
The CRC verification process is executed as a rapid check during the boot sequence. The system performs the checksum calculation and comparison in a streamlined manner, rushing through the validation process efficiently to minimize the time added to the boot sequence while still ensuring comprehensive verification of the BIOS code integrity.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a system for providing a security and method of providing an enhanced security booting environment. The system and method includes a basic input/output system (BIOS) stored in memory. The system and method also includes a counter embedded in the memory configured to monitor the number of times each block of the memory has been written. This information could be used with existing error detection mechanisms to improve the ability to detect unintended write operations.