In this generation, people are very scared of vulnerabilities as it can
target your device and disclose all the essential information to the hackers.
In most of the cases, the problems occur due to the speculative execution.
Nowadays, several processors utilize and execute the speculative
execution process to avoid delay in the completion of user’s task.
It automatically follows certain steps and provides
the data to the user in order to use it for future.
For instance, sometimes the processors predict the instructions
that the user can ask them to perform before it is actually asked.
This makes it easy for the user to complete the particular
activity in most effective and efficient manner.
In some cases, where it follows the wrong
predictions, the processor undoes the action.
The Meltdown and Spectre bugs are executed by the hackers to
reveal and ascertain the hidden information of the Computer.
These bugs have the ability to damage various devices including computers,
Smartphones, Linux, Tablets, Windows, MacOs, TvOs, Android and almost every device.
Here is the detailed explanation regarding the two vulnerabilities
and how to protect your computers and androids from it.
What is causing this security flaw on the modern processors?
As discussed above that the two bugs generate due to the speculative
execution that is present in almost each and every modern device.
Although if the processor follows any wrong instructions it closes
that act, it never erases all the steps taken to reach data.
Using the malicious programs the hackers access
the information stored in the Kernel memory.
The Kernel memory generally contains the essential details like your
passwords, encrypted data, and other security-related information.
It happens because the speculative execution is
dependent on the influence of Kernel memory.
According to several studies and researchers, the hackers have the potential
to access the encrypted data through the JavaScript opened in your browser.
According to the Google’s Zero project, the attacker cannot access the vulnerabilities
until and unless he utilizes the malicious app and code on a machine.
What is Meltdown vulnerability?
Which processors can be impacted by it?
In every operating system, each program executes on the
Random Access Memory but the main security measure
is that one program cannot access another one and
hence cannot read any data stored in that file.
Meltdown bug has the ability to read the data stored in Kernel
memory and thus leaks all the details to the attackers.
However, its range is limited to Intel processors
and does not affect the non-Intel devices.
The major problem is it has an impact on all the Intel
devices designed 10 years ago or even before that.
According to the recent surveys, there are
thousands of devices that have Intel processors.
The name “meltdown” means to melt the important documents which are supposed
to remain in the Kernel memory only and to slow down the speed of your device.
What is Spectre?
Which processors are impacted by it?
Spectre is another threat that is completely different from Meltdown.
According to the researchers, “Spectre breaks down and
removes the detachment between several applications”.
Unlike meltdown which can be easily accessed on an
Intel device, it is very difficult to access Spectre.
At the same time, if Spectre is activated by the
hacker then it becomes hard to get the solution.
The attackers use risk-free programs to reveal
the information stored on the applications.
The most troublesome statement is that “Spectre can be accessed
to any device irrespective of the processors and security”.
AMD, Intel, ARM, and diverse devices (Smartphones, Computers,
Tablets, and Androids) can become the prey of Spectre.
Has anyone used the methods to attack the computer and other devices?
The Companies including Apple, Microsoft, and Intel showed no
evidence regarding the exploitation of the vulnerabilities.
However, Google’s Zero team was capable to provide sufficient data and evidence
including the virtual machine which is capable to attack the host machine
and steal the encrypted and hidden data from the same.
If this flaw is not fixed then it can eat up the entire system.
Apple Company also believes that Meltdown is
comparatively easy to spread rather than the Spectre.
Intel accepts the fact that the researchers have shown the evidence
on the basis of which any Intel device can be hacked by the attacker.
It further stated that the bug has potential to replicate the findings.
When this problem is disclosed in front of a
large number of Android users, it can become
very risky and especially for those people who have not updated the latest security.
Google clearly specified that only those devices that are
updated with latest securities are assured protection.
According to the recent reports, there are various devices that do not support
updates whereas the remaining Androids do not possess the latest security.
Therefore, it creates a critical issue to
protect the device against the vulnerabilities
as every device is now at risk and can be attacked by the malicious codes.
This problem will sustain for a long time until the
vendors provide the security updates for every user.
How to protect the computer, Android, and Smartphone from Meltdown and Spectre?
Although there are various devices that have launched the
fixes, some devices are still at risk and are not yet updated.
For instance, Microsoft has brought in the fixes
on January 3, 2018, for the users of Windows 10.
You can verify the fixes on your PC as it might have
installed automatically on every computers and laptop.
Windows 7 and Windows 8 users have to wait until 9 January
2018 as their fixes will be upgraded on the same date.
People who are using chrome browser are required to update the chrome Version.
According to the researchers, a new patched chrome
version 64 is going to be released on January 23.
Every user has to use this version.
Also, the Google instructs the error in some chrome
pages due to the older versions of the same.
That is in the case of the people who are using the chrome version below than 63.
Google also says that they are at huge risk from attackers.
Google also made a blog post instructing the various
measures it took in respect to safeguard the users.
Apple announced that it would bring the fixes soon for its devices
as it may undergo loss if Mac and iOs device are not fixed.
Surprisingly, Apple has fixed the Meltdown
exploitation by providing the macOs 10.13.2 and
tvOs 11.2 and it also claims that the safari patch
will be released in a short period of time.
Talking about the Firefox browser users, they are required to maintain and use the
Firefox version 57.0.4 to access safety against the Meltdown and Spectre bugs.
Apart from this, various anti-virus software is also installed by
thousands of user and it can protect your device from unwanted problems.
The major anti-virus devices are Avira, Avast, and BitDefender.
What can I do?
Since the security of your device is utmost
needed, make sure that your device is up to date
and if you find any new patch then install it therein as more the latest
security is updated on your devices, few chances are there to hack the same.
Another method to protect a device is by ignoring the
download of applications received by unknown sources.
According to Cybersecurity, never trust and forward any
sensitive detail of your device to an unknown person.
Also, do not open any code unless you are aware of it.
The attackers would actually not steal your Facebook passwords or other Social
Networking site-related information rather he will steal the sensitive data
like bank account details, corporate secrets,
government-related information, and much more.
That means only those people who are dealing
with sensitive information needs to worry.
The fix can slow down the speed of your device
Although the fixes are settled, it can affect
the speculative execution to a great extent.
After fixing the bugs, you may notice a sudden slow down speed of your device
but Intel claims that the rate is very low and people may not even notice it.
However, it can be disadvantageous for those people who use the Intel
processor for industrial use as your work efficiency level may slow down.
The Meltdown and Spectre vulnerabilities are
been disturbing several devices for many years.
However, it remained unnoticeable by the people and hence, became a critical issue.
All the manufacturers of Intel, ARM, Apple, Smartphones, and other such devices are
continuously researching the fixes and claims to protect the server from any attacks.
Still, it is the responsibility of every Android user to verify their PC’s or Laptops
and install the necessary updates and versions to get security against the attackers.
Although there are rare chances of these attacks especially
Spectre (as it is hard to access Spectre and attack any device),
it is essential to take proper care of the
device and do not purchase any outdated product.