RAMBO Attack: Stealing Data from Air-Gapped Computers | EP 5

Rambo Attack: A New Threat to Air-Gapped Computers

Discover the groundbreaking 'Rambo Attack,' a method to exfiltrate data from air-gapped computers via electromagnetic radiation from RAM. Nathan from StationX explains how malware manipulates RAM to emit radio signals, enabling nearby receivers to capture data without any direct connection. Learn about the technical intricacies, potential risks, and preventive measures like TEMPEST shielding, RF jamming, and strict physical security. Understand why cybersecurity professionals must always stay vigilant, even against seemingly secure air-gapped systems.

00:00 Introduction to the Rambo Attack
00:26 Understanding the RAM Exploit
02:22 Technical Breakdown of the Attack
03:14 Demonstration and Implications
04:17 Defensive Measures Against the Rambo Attack
05:10 Conclusion and Key Takeaways

SHOW NOTES and RAMBO ATTACK RESOURCES
https://www.stationx.net/podcast/rambo-attack-stealing-data-from-air-gapped-computers-ep-5/

REPORT
https://arxiv.org/abs/2409.02292

STATIONX MEMBERSHIP
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Transcript

The RAMBO attack is a groundbreaking new way to steal data from air-gapped computers—systems that are usually thought to be completely secure because they have no direct connection to the internet or other networks.

Hi there, I’m Nathan from StationX. We’re a community of cyber security experts and learners, offering training, mentorship, and resources to help you build your cyber security skills and advance your career.

So, in this attack, researchers have found a way to turn the RAM itself—random access memory—into a radio transmitter, sending data out wirelessly by exploiting the electromagnetic radiation generated by the memory’s operations.

So, let’s break this down a bit. When data moves through your computer’s RAM, the high-speed switching of electrical signals naturally emanates a small amount of electromagnetic radiation. Now, we’re talking tiny, normally harmless radio waves that we usually ignore. But in the RAMBO attack, malware is specifically designed to manipulate how this data moves in the memory, essentially encoding the electromagnetic emissions to create a radio signal that can be interpreted by a nearby receiver.

So, for those of you watching and not just listening, you can now see a demonstration of the attack. The researcher is transmitting a picture of Optimus Prime from one air-gapped machine to another. But for those just listening, imagine this: malware on the infected machine is forcing the memory to generate specific electromagnetic pulses. These radio waves carry the data in the form of binary code, and with just a simple antenna and software-defined radio receiver, the attacker picks up the image—like magic—without any cables, Wi-Fi, or networks involved.

How Exactly Does This Work?

So, how exactly does this work on a technical level? Well, the RAM is essentially modulating to send out bits of data using techniques like On-Off Keying, or OOK, and Manchester encoding, which are common methods for transmitting digital data through radio waves. For example, in OOK modulation, the presence of a signal means a binary “1,” while the absence of a signal means “0.” These signals can then be decoded into meaningful data—whether it’s text, encryption keys, or, in this case, a JPEG of Optimus Prime.

The transfer speed is about a thousand bits per second in this example, which is slow but fast enough for critical small data like encryption keys or passwords. An RSA encryption key of 4,096 bits can be transmitted in just over four seconds. So, imagine the consequences if this key was protecting sensitive, encrypted, stored data elsewhere, like in the cloud.

The RAMBO Attack as a Side-Channel Attack

The attack takes advantage of what we would consider a side-channel attack. This is a side-channel attack—the radio signals emitted from the memory itself—turning it into a powerful data exfiltration tool. The fact that this can be done on an air-gapped machine, which is supposed to be the most secure type of system, is what makes it so interesting and also alarming.

Defending Against the RAMBO Attack

So, defending against this—what do we do?

Well, first, there’s what’s known as TEMPEST shielding, which involves wrapping sensitive machines in electromagnetic shielding to prevent radio signals from leaking out. But this isn’t cheap, and it isn’t always practical for all environments.

Another option is radio frequency jamming or simply monitoring for unusual radio emissions. But let’s not forget the basics: physical access should be tightly controlled, and malware has to get on the system somehow. If you can control physical access to the machine, you can limit USB ports or use secure update mechanisms to prevent the infection from even getting on there in the first place.

Why This Matters

So, why does this matter? What’s interesting about it?

Well, it’s because air-gapped systems are often considered safe, but the RAMBO attack undermines this. It proves that we can never truly let our guard down. Every component of the system—even its electromagnetic emissions—could be a potential attack vector.

The lessons for those of us in cyber security are pretty clear: isolation isn’t enough. When you have a system that is particularly sensitive and important, physical security and awareness of side-channel attacks like this must be part of a defense strategy.

So, thanks for tuning in today! If you want to geek out more about the technical details of the RAMBO attack, check out our show notes. And as always, keep learning, keep protecting, and stay ahead of the curve.


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