Cache Side Channel Attacks - CPU Design As A Security Problem

Explore the intricacies of cache side channel attacks and their implications for CPU security in this 54-minute conference talk from the Hack In The Box Security Conference. Delve into how modern computer microarchitecture, particularly the cache subsystem, can be exploited to breach trust boundaries and access private data. Examine the resurgence of cache side channel attacks due to shared caches and cloud computing, and understand why software defenses are challenging yet often the only viable solution. Learn about real-world attack scenarios, including exfiltration of cryptographic keys and spying on user input. Gain insights from Anders Fogh, an experienced engineer and malware expert, as he discusses the mechanics of these attacks, detection methods using performance counters, and potential mitigation strategies.