Below the Surface (Audio) - The Supply Chain Security Podcast

Binwalk, Brickstorm, AI Model Madness - BTS #76

summary In this episode of Below the Surface, Paul Asadoorian, Chase Snyder, and Vlad Babkin discuss the implications of AI in cybersecurity, the challenges posed by AI guardrails, and the operational risks associated with applying patches. They also explore vulnerabilities in security tools like Binwalk, the complexities of firmware update tools, and the importance of transparency in software signing, particularly in the context of open source software. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the complexities of cybersecurity, focusing on the limitations of security through obscurity, the challenges posed by UEFI shells and secure boot, and the operational risks associated with DBX updates. They discuss the difficulties in vulnerability management and the role of AI in cybersecurity, highlighting how it may benefit attackers more than defenders. The conversation also touches on emerging threats like Brickstorm malware and the need to rethink edge device security in light of these challenges. Finally, they emphasize the necessity for all companies to adopt robust cybersecurity measures. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Below the Surface Podcast 01:16 The Rise of AI and Its Implications 06:42 Challenges with AI Guardrails and Restrictions 10:53 Operational Risks in Cybersecurity 17:01 Vulnerabilities in Security Tools 20:11 Exploring Firmware Update Tools 29:07 The Importance of Open Source in Security 34:07 The Need for Transparency in Software Signing 35:12 The Fallacy of Security Through Obscurity 36:36 The Challenges of UEFI Shells and Secure Boot 39:58 The Complexity of DBX Updates and Operational Risks 43:20 The Difficulty of Vulnerability Management 48:11 AI's Role in Cybersecurity: A Double-Edged Sword 52:59 Emerging Threats: The Rise of Brickstorm Malware 55:54 Rethinking Edge Device Security 01:00:08 The Future of Cybersecurity Infrastructure

Secure Boot Certificates Expiring: What You Need to Know - BTS #75

In this episode of Below the Surface, the team discusses recent cybersecurity trends, including the Verizon DBIR 2026 report, secure boot certificate expirations, and the evolving threat landscape with AI and hardware vulnerabilities. They explore how organizations can adapt their defense strategies to stay ahead of attackers and share insights on supply chain security and malware analysis. * https://eclypsium.com/blog/microsoft-secure-boot-certificates-expire-2026/ [https://eclypsium.com/blog/microsoft-secure-boot-certificates-expire-2026/] * https://eclypsium.com/blog/verizon-dbir-2026/ [https://eclypsium.com/blog/verizon-dbir-2026/] * https://github.com/iss4cf0ng/OpenPetya [https://github.com/iss4cf0ng/OpenPetya] * https://gbhackers.com/exploit-f5-big-ip-ssh-access/ [https://gbhackers.com/exploit-f5-big-ip-ssh-access/] * https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/blog/2026/05/22/from-edge-appliance-to-enterprise-compromise-multi-stage-linux-intrusion-via-f5-and-confluence/ [https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/security/blog/2026/05/22/from-edge-appliance-to-enterprise-compromise-multi-stage-linux-intrusion-via-f5-and-confluence/] * https://cybersecuritynews.com/china-linked-hackers-target-southeast-asian-edge-routers/ [https://cybersecuritynews.com/china-linked-hackers-target-southeast-asian-edge-routers/] * https://qiita.com/Y4er/items/0b6071745e4b7b240b3e [https://qiita.com/Y4er/items/0b6071745e4b7b240b3e] * https://www.greynoise.io/blog/sonicwall-scanning-spike-echoes-pattern-preceded-cve-2026-0400 [https://www.greynoise.io/blog/sonicwall-scanning-spike-echoes-pattern-preceded-cve-2026-0400] * YellowKey update: https://www.reddit.com/r/sysadmin/comments/1tkq3x9/yellowkey_bitlocker_exploit_repo_taken_down/ [https://www.reddit.com/r/sysadmin/comments/1tkq3x9/yellowkey_bitlocker_exploit_repo_taken_down/] Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Technical Issues 02:56 Verizon DBIR Insights 05:50 Trends in Vulnerability Management 09:04 The Role of AI in Cybersecurity 12:11 Challenges in Vulnerability Management 14:46 Secure Boot Certificates and Their Implications 29:52 Managing Updates and Security Risks 32:57 The Open Petya Project: A Historical Perspective 36:11 Understanding the Yellow Key Attack 39:34 The Dilemma of Independent Researchers 41:34 The Future of Bug Bounty Programs 43:59 The Evolving Landscape of Vulnerabilities 49:51 Visibility Challenges in Network Security 56:16 The Need for Better Information Sharing

YellowKey, CVE Enrichment, Chipmaker Breach - BTS #74

In this episode, we explore recent vulnerabilities, the YellowKey BitLocker bypass, supply chain security, CVE data analysis, and the implications of hardware breaches like the one at Foxconn. We also delve into AI's role in vulnerability research and the evolving landscape of cybersecurity threats. Topics * https://www.nist.gov/news-events/news/2026/04/nist-updates-nvd-operations-address-record-cve-growth [https://www.nist.gov/news-events/news/2026/04/nist-updates-nvd-operations-address-record-cve-growth] * https://github.com/Nightmare-Eclipse/YellowKey [https://github.com/Nightmare-Eclipse/YellowKey] * https://socket.dev/blog/tanstack-npm-packages-compromised-mini-shai-hulud-supply-chain-attack [https://socket.dev/blog/tanstack-npm-packages-compromised-mini-shai-hulud-supply-chain-attack] * https://x.com/AlvieriD/status/2053835732658143416 [https://x.com/AlvieriD/status/2053835732658143416] Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Vulnerability Research and AI 03:42 NIST and CVE Growth Challenges 06:46 Building Tools for CVE Analysis 10:58 The Complexity of CVSS Scoring 15:08 CISA's Role in Vulnerability Enrichment 18:06 Challenges in CWE and CPE Data 19:55 The Future of Vulnerability Research 27:18 BitLocker Bypass: A Case Study 33:05 Exploring the Complexity of Windows Features 34:49 Speculation on Microsoft and Conspiracy Theories 35:57 The Impact of BIOS Passwords on Security 39:12 The Foxconn Breach: A Major Data Compromise 47:34 Supply Chain Attacks on Package Managers 51:13 Deceptive Techniques in Cybersecurity

Uncovering Firmware Risks: From Y2K to Modern Malware - BTS #73

In this episode of Below the Surface, hosts Paul Asadoorian, Chase Snyder, and guest Brian Richardson explore the evolution of firmware security, the risks of supply chain vulnerabilities, and the latest threats targeting network edge devices like Cisco ASA and FTD. They discuss historical malware like the Chernobyl virus, modern malware campaigns such as Firestarter, and the challenges of securing complex network infrastructure in a rapidly evolving threat landscape. Links: https://www.linkedin.com/news/story/white-house-pushes-back-on-anthropics-mythos-expansion-8741242/ https://www.tomshardware.com/tech-industry/cyber-security/the-chernobyl-virus-turned-27-today-and-it-could-brick-your-pc-in-ways-modern-malware-cant https://blog.talosintelligence.com/uat-4356-firestarter/ Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Below the Surface 02:20 Brian's Transition to Eclipseum 03:50 The Y2K Experience and Early Virus Detection 06:31 The CIH Virus and Its Impact 10:12 BIOS Security and Vulnerabilities 14:10 The Importance of Firmware Lockdown 18:09 Modern Threats and UEFI Attacks 22:13 Targeted Malware and Ransomware Risks 25:21 Creative Concepts in Cybersecurity 26:20 Emerging Threats: Firestarter Malware 30:54 The Security of Network Devices 35:17 Challenges in Managing Security Appliances 39:52 Persistence of Malware and Its Implications 43:02 The Evolving Landscape of Cyber Threats 49:44 AI and Cybersecurity: The Anthropic Dilemma

AI-Powered Firmware Hacking: The Future of Vulnerability Discovery - BTS #72

In this episode, the hosts explore the latest in cybersecurity, including AI-driven vulnerability discovery, firmware analysis tools, secure boot complexities, and recent CVE trends. They discuss practical techniques for hacking devices, the challenges of firmware emulation, and the implications of new security policies on consumer and enterprise hardware. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Hacking and Security Updates 03:24 Exploring Samsung TV Hacking 06:34 AI in Vulnerability Research 11:17 The Role of AI in Exploiting Vulnerabilities 15:18 CVE Disclosure and Ethical Considerations 20:43 AI Tools and Instrumentation in Development 24:41 Emerging Tools for Firmware Analysis 28:14 Navigating Linux Security Challenges 29:12 The Surge of CVEs: Understanding the Growth 31:29 The Role of AI in Vulnerability Discovery 34:50 CVE Enrichment: The Need for Contextual Data 36:57 Microsoft's Secure Boot: A Double-Edged Sword 46:43 Vulnerabilities in Bootloaders: A Case Study 51:25 The Complexity of Secure Boot Management 53:24 Regulatory Challenges in Router Security