MITRE ATT&CKsub-technique

T1542.002 Component Firmware

Published 2019-12-19 Modified 2026-05-12 Official page ↗
Domain
enterprise
Tactics
Stealth, Persistence
Platforms
Windows, Linux, macOS
Version
2.0
Created
2019-12-19

Description

Adversaries may modify component firmware to persist on systems. Some adversaries may employ sophisticated means to compromise computer components and install malicious firmware that will execute adversary code outside of the operating system and main system firmware or BIOS. This technique may be similar to System Firmware but conducted upon other system components/devices that may not have the same capability or level of integrity checking. Malicious component firmware could provide both a persistent level of access to systems despite potential typical failures to maintain access and hard disk re-images, as well as a way to evade host software-based defenses and integrity checks.

Related

Subtechnique of · MITRE ATT&CK (1)

  • T1542 Pre-OS Boot technique

Tactic · MITRE ATT&CK (2)

Referenced by MITRE ATT&CK · mitigates (1)

  • M1051 Update Software mitigation

Referenced by MITRE ATT&CK · uses (2)

  • S0687 Cyclops Blink software (malware)
  • G0020 Equation group

Referenced by CAPEC · att&ck technique (2)

  • CAPEC-638 Altered Component Firmware attack pattern
  • CAPEC-665 Exploitation of Thunderbolt Protection Flaws attack pattern

Referenced by Compliance · mitigates (2)

  • CIS-7.3 Perform Automated Operating System Patch Management CIS Safeguard v8.1
  • CIS-7.7 Remediate Detected Vulnerabilities CIS Safeguard v8.1