Side-channel Leakage Evaluator Using Device Simulator

The patent creates a virtual copy of the target system using a device simulator that replicates the hardware architecture, instruction set, and execution behavior. This virtual model allows SCA evaluation to be performed on actual system behavior without requiring physical access to the target device or expensive side-channel collection equipment. The simulator produces virtual side-channel traces that mirror real hardware behavior, enabling reliable evaluation while eliminating the need for complex physical testing setups.

The patent introduces an intermediary layer consisting of the device simulator and analysis kit that mediates between the evaluator and the target system. This intermediary performs the side-channel analysis in software, translating the need for physical side-channel measurements into a virtualized process. The intermediary handles all complex operations including trace generation, preprocessing, and vulnerability detection, making the evaluation process accessible without expert knowledge while maintaining reliability through accurate simulation.

The device simulator creates a controlled virtual environment that copies the essential behavior of the target system without being affected by external environmental factors. By replicating the system's execution and side-channel behavior in software, the simulator eliminates variations caused by temperature, electromagnetic noise, and hardware aging that affect physical testing. This ensures that vulnerability detection results are consistent and reproducible across different evaluation sessions and environments.

The analysis kit performs automated vulnerability detection without requiring human expertise. The system automatically executes the evaluation algorithm, processes virtual traces, and generates vulnerability reports. This self-service capability eliminates the impact of tester skill and experience variations, ensuring that the same input always produces the same output, thereby improving result consistency while maintaining detection accuracy.

The patent enables segmentation of the evaluation process by allowing assessors to target specific countermeasures, code regions, or security features independently. The device simulator can be configured to execute only relevant portions of the application, and the analysis kit can focus on specific vulnerability types or countermeasure effectiveness. This segmentation maintains comprehensive security assessment capability while dramatically reducing evaluation time by eliminating the need to test the entire system when only specific components need verification.

The device simulator performs preliminary setup and configuration before the actual vulnerability assessment begins. The system pre-loads the target application, configures the virtual hardware environment, and prepares the analysis parameters in advance. This preliminary action allows the actual evaluation to proceed quickly once initiated, reducing the time loss associated with system setup and configuration during the assessment process.