Microsoft Using AI to Uncover Critical Bootloader Vulnerabilities

Summary: Microsoft’s threat intelligence team has leveraged AI technologies to identify over 20 critical vulnerabilities in widely-used open-source bootloaders such as GRUB2, U-boot, and Barebox, particularly in UEFI Secure Boot systems. These vulnerabilities could enable threat actors to execute arbitrary code, potentially compromising device security and leading to severe malicious activities. The research showcases the efficiency of AI tools in enhancing vulnerability detection and analysis processes.

Affected: Microsoft, GRUB2, U-boot, Barebox

Keypoints :

• AI-driven tools identified critical vulnerabilities in open-source bootloaders widely used in embedded and IoT devices.
• Vulnerabilities could allow threat actors to gain control and install stealthy bootkits, compromising device security.
• The project demonstrated enhanced efficiency, with AI reducing nearly a week’s worth of manual effort in vulnerability discovery.