Hitting the Hardware: Ransomware Moves to the CPU

A researcher has successfully deployed ransomware directly onto a computer's central processing unit (CPU). This advancement was achieved by Christiaan Beek, a researcher at Rapid7, who created a proof-of-concept to demonstrate the feasibility of such an attack.

Traditional ransomware attacks target software layers, but Beek's approach involves altering the CPU's microcode—the low-level instructions that govern processor operations, Vice reports.

By doing so, the ransomware can bypass conventional security measures, including antivirus programs and operating system defenses, making detection and removal exceedingly difficult. Infected systems might require complete CPU replacement if the microcode cannot be cleared.

Beek's inspiration stemmed from a known vulnerability in AMD's Zen processors, which, if exploited, allows unauthorized microcode loading. Although Beek has no intention of releasing the ransomware publicly, his work underscores the potential risks posed by such vulnerabilities.

Experts warn that while this threat is currently theoretical, it highlights the need for heightened vigilance in hardware security, as malicious actors could eventually exploit similar methods.

Takeaway: No one should be shocked that ransomware could soon find its way onto CPUs . Innovation in the ransomware space hasn’t slowed down—it’s just getting more creative.  

At Halcyon, our team recently detailed an attack that used native AWS tooling to encrypt exposed S3 buckets. So, if ransomware in the cloud surprised you, then ransomware baked into processor microcode shouldn’t.  

This is to be expected when a multi-billion-dollar criminal industry is allowed to operate with near impunity. These threat actors aren’t amateurs in hoodies—they’re organized, well-funded, and reinvesting their profits into R&D.  

They’ve got developers and analysts who could hold their own in any Fortune 500 security org. The same kind of talent behind this CPU ransomware proof-of-concept is already being paid handsomely by ransomware crews to push the envelope on new TTPs.

Ransomware is still, fundamentally, a low-tech, low-risk, high-reward game. You don’t need to exploit some exotic bug when sloppy configs or stolen creds will do. But when you can innovate, the returns are even greater. And right now, the ROI on ransomware is too good to ignore.  

We won’t see a slowdown until we either make attacks unprofitable or the risk of getting caught outweighs the reward. A proof of concept today will quickly become tomorrow’s headline attack pathway.

Halcyon.ai eliminates the business impact of ransomware. Modern enterprises rely on Halcyon to prevent ransomware attacks, eradicating cybercriminals’ ability to encrypt systems, steal data, and extort companies – talk to a Halcyon expert today to find out more, and check out our quarterly RaaS and extortion group reference guide, Power Rankings: Ransomware Malicious Quartile.