Out-of-order execution (or dynamic execution), like its speculative counterpart, allows CPUs to "think" ahead. Spectre can also access data loaded speculatively and then destroyed, including sensitive information like passwords. By looking at which commands are coming next and retrieving the stored memory involved in those future operations, the Spectre vulnerability allows a hacker to break in and run malware that steals data by exploiting this predictive (speculative) process. That implies the CPU will sometimes load a portion of a program or snippet of code, only to delete it later when the estimate is incorrect and a new command appears. The CPU assumes some of the time accurately, but not all of the time. Speculative execution boosts processing speeds by allowing the CPU to guess (or speculate) which process or steps will follow. When they realized they couldn't boost clock speeds anymore, they looked for new ways to process data and commands even quicker, which led to speculative and out-of-order execution development. Intel and AMD, the two major processor manufacturers, were neck and neck in the fight to boost clock speed. Clock speed determined how fast CPUs could run in the past. Understanding how Meltdown and Spectre function necessitates a foundational knowledge of CPU design (recall that CPUs are the "brains" of your devices).Īll of the commands that make your device's applications work are executed by CPUs. Because the situation is fluid, it's critical to keep devices up to date and keep a close eye on vendor announcements. These weaknesses can develop undetectable exploits by standard user countermeasures (antivirus, etc.) and leave no trace in traditional system log files. Still, due to the nature of Speculative Execution, we will most likely have to settle with mitigation in the case of Spectre.Īs a result, while we wait for a revision of processor architecture, there will be a risk of system compromise for years to come. The Meltdown vulnerability is thought to be very simple to cure. The features are performance-enhancing technologies that enable processors to pre-execute instructions and forecast future execution routes. The flaws, known as Spectre and Meltdown, are found in the design of modern CPUs and allow personal data (passwords, e-mail, and surfing history) to be accessed from memory by exploiting Speculative Execution and Branch Prediction capabilities. Security researchers discovered multiple vulnerabilities earlier this year that affect practically every PC, laptop, and smartphone on the market.
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