Covertly embedded finite state machines and their detection in One-Hot encoded circuits
by VanTassel, Justin, M.S., STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK AT BINGHAMTON, 2011, 65 pages; 1496593

Abstract:

As software defense capabilities continue to strengthen to meet the evolving attacks crafted by hackers, it is inevitable that attackers will target the underlying hardware. Using traditional design methodologies may leave vulnerabilities for attackers to exploit in the implementations of digital systems. Many digital systems designed using the finite state machine model use optimization techniques incorporated into the design tool chain to abstract the encoding, registers, and surrounding combinational logic. This work proposes a new method for embedding a covert state machine in the unused state space of a finite state machine. This method may be undetectable via traditional testing and verification approaches. In addition, a means of detection for such an embedded circuit at the equation level is provided as well as a proof of its efficacy for One-Hot encoded state machines.
 
AdviserDouglas H. Summerville
SchoolSTATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK AT BINGHAMTON
SourceMAI/ 50-01, p. , Aug 2011
Source TypeThesis
SubjectsComputer engineering; Electrical engineering
Publication Number1496593
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