An attacker replaces legitimate hardware in the system with faulty counterfeit or tampered hardware in the supply chain distribution channel, with purpose of causing malicious disruption or allowing for additional compromise when the system is deployed.
Attack Prerequisites
Physical access to the system after it has left the manufacturer but before it is deployed at the victim location.
Typical Severity
High
Typical Likelihood of Exploit
Likelihood: Low
The nature of these type of attacks involve a coordinated effort between well-funded multiple attackers, and sometimes require physical access to successfully complete an attack. As a result these types of attacks are not launched on a large scale against any potential victim, but are typically highly targeted against victims who are often targeted and may have rather sophisticated cyber defenses already in place.
Examples-Instances
Description
During shipment the attacker is able to intercept a system that has been purchased by the victim, and replaces a math processor card that functions just like the original, but contains advanced malicious capability. Once deployed, the system functions as normal, but allows for the attacker to remotely communicate with the system and use it as a conduit for additional compromise within the victim's environment.
Attacker Skills or Knowledge Required
Skill or Knowledge Level: High
Advanced knowledge of the design of the system.
Skill or Knowledge Level: High
Hardware creation and manufacture of replacement components.
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Page Last Updated or Reviewed:
July 31, 2017
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Summary
