Secure Your Firmware Supply Chain with SBOMs

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. What is a Software Bill of Materials? 2.1 Definition 2.2 Software Package Data Exchange 2.3 SLID Tags 2.4 Common Platform Enumeration (CPE) 2.5 Cyclone DX
3. Types of Firmware 3.1 UEFI Firmware 3.2 Management Engine Firmware 3.3 CPU Microcode 3.4 BIOS ACMS 3.5 EsseNet ACMS 3.6 BMCS 3.7 Network Controller Firmware 3.8 PIXI Option ROMs 3.9 RSTO ROMs 3.10 Video O-ROMs 3.11 Memory Code 3.12 NVMe Code 3.13 PCIe Device Code
4. Supply Chain Security Challenges
5. The Role of Firmware in Supply Chain Security 5.1 Firmware Bills of Materials 5.2 Production and Consumption of Reference Integrity Manifests
6. Type 1 Firmware: Host Firmware 6.1 Intel Firmware Support Package (FSP) 6.2 Production of Reference Integrity Manifests 6.3 Augmentation of Measured Boot
7. Type 2 Firmware: Device Firmware 7.1 What is PFR Firmware? 7.2 Collecting Device Firmware Measurements 7.3 Device Component RIMs
8. Standardization and Future Challenges
9. Conclusion

Introduction

In today's world, supply chain security is a crucial concern for organizations. With the increased threat of attacks and subversion in firmware, there is a growing need for enhanced security measures. One such measure is the implementation of a Software Bill of Materials (SBOM), which provides a detailed list of firmware components and their dependencies. This article will explore the concept of SBOMs, the types of firmware, challenges in supply chain security, and the role of firmware in mitigating these challenges. It will also discuss the production and consumption of reference integrity manifests and the future of firmware security.

The Importance of Software Bill of Materials in Supply Chain Security

Supply chain security is a critical concern for organizations in today’s digital landscape. The increasing complexity of firmware components and the potential for attacks and subversion have highlighted the need for enhanced security measures. One such measure is the implementation of a Software Bill of Materials (SBOM), which provides a detailed list of firmware components and their dependencies. In this article, we will explore the concept of SBOMs, their significance in supply chain security, and their role in enabling secure and trusted delivery of firmware. We will also discuss various types of firmware, the challenges associated with supply chain security, and the future of firmware security measures.

What is a Software Bill of Materials?

A Software Bill of Materials (SBOM) is a term that has been around for quite some time. It leverages the traditional bill-of-materials terminology used in manufacturing to Create a list of the raw materials, sub-assemblies, intermediate assemblies, sub-components, parts, and their quantities needed to manufacture an end product. In the Context of software, an SBOM comprises third-party dependencies and any transitive dependencies built into a software Package.

Definition

SBOMs can be generated using various methods and follow different specification standards. The Software Package Data Exchange (SPDX) is one such standardized format defined by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). Open-source tools like Cyclone DX are available for generating SBOMs, as well as other formats like SLID tags and Common Platform Enumeration (CPE).

Software Package Data Exchange

SPDX is an open standard for communicating software bill-of-material information, including licensing, copyrights, and security references. It provides a consistent way to document and share information about software packages throughout the supply chain. SPDX tags can be integrated into development tools, making it easier to generate and manage SBOMs.

SLID Tags

SLID tags, also standardized by ISO, are a method for identifying software and hardware components uniquely. They aid in the identification and tracking of components across the supply chain.

Common Platform Enumeration (CPE)

CPE is a standardized naming scheme for information technology systems, software, and hardware. It provides a structured and uniform way to identify and classify components, making it easier to manage and track their presence in the supply chain.

Cyclone DX

Cyclone DX is a popular open-source tool used for generating SBOMs. It supports various formats and can be integrated into existing software development processes to automate the generation of SBOMs and enhance supply chain security.

In the following sections, we will explore different types of firmware and the challenges associated with securing the supply chain. We will also discuss the role of SBOMs in mitigating these challenges and promoting trust and integrity in firmware delivery.