Key Takeaways
- The MITRE organization has introduced ESTM 3.0, the latest version of its Embedded Systems Threat Matrix, a cybersecurity framework designed to protect embedded systems.
- ESTM 3.0 provides a structured approach to analyzing and understanding potential adversarial behaviors targeting embedded systems.
- The framework has been developed in collaboration with the Air Force’s Cyber Resiliency Office for Weapon Systems (CROWS) and can be used across various sectors, including transportation, energy, healthcare, and industrial controls.
- ESTM 3.0 prioritizes system-agnostic tactics and techniques, aligns with Structured Threat Information Expression 2.1, and focuses on developing and validating attack patterns specific to embedded systems.
Introduction to ESTM 3.0
The non-profit organization MITRE has introduced ESTM 3.0, the latest version of its Embedded Systems Threat Matrix, a cybersecurity framework designed to protect the embedded systems that underpin U.S. critical infrastructure and defense technologies. The framework offers a purpose-built approach to addressing embedded system vulnerabilities by providing a structured way to analyze and understand potential adversarial behaviors targeting these systems. ESTM 3.0 has evolved significantly since its initial iteration, which focused on capturing adversarial behaviors and techniques within embedded environments, and has now been matured through extensive collaboration with mission partners.
Development and Collaboration
Developed in collaboration with the Air Force’s Cyber Resiliency Office for Weapon Systems (CROWS), ESTM helps organizations understand and defend against cyber threats targeting these vital systems. The structure provides practical tools for researchers, vendors, and security professionals to identify vulnerabilities and build stronger embedded systems. ESTM can be used across many sectors, including transportation, energy, healthcare, industrial controls, and robotics. According to Keoki Jackson, senior vice president, MITRE National Security, "Embedded systems are the foundation of our critical infrastructure and defense capabilities, but they face complex and growing cyber risks. ESTM fills a key gap by giving defenders clear, actionable information to identify and stop cyber threats against these essential systems."
Key Areas of Improvement
ESTM 3.0 iteration prioritizes three key areas of improvement. First, it emphasizes system-agnostic tactics and techniques, ensuring the framework’s applicability across diverse domains, including public, commercial, and specialized sectors. Second, ESTM 3.0 aligns its structure with Structured Threat Information Expression 2.1, promoting interoperability and enabling machine-readable threat intelligence. Finally, the framework focuses on developing and validating attack patterns specific to embedded systems, providing defenders with actionable insights to strengthen their security posture. These improvements enable ESTM to provide a comprehensive and effective approach to addressing embedded system vulnerabilities.
Integration with Other Frameworks
ESTM works with the MITRE EMB3D Threat Model to offer a complete resource for secure system design. Inspired by the MITRE Adversarial Tactics, Techniques, and Common Knowledge (ATT&CK) framework, the ESTM categorizes adversarial tactics and techniques specific to embedded systems, enabling organizations to analyze threats, conduct realistic assessments, and develop comprehensive defense strategies. Moreover, the framework has proven valuable in various applications, including cyber threat modeling and attack path analysis, and its alignment with established cybersecurity frameworks ensures seamless integration with existing security practices.
Background and Origins
The development of ESTM originated from a critical need to enhance cybersecurity for embedded systems across various sectors. In 2020, efforts to create a framework specifically tailored for vulnerability assessments of complex systems with embedded technologies highlighted a significant gap in existing resources, especially for avionics environments. While existing frameworks provided valuable insights, they lacked the nuanced understanding required to address the unique vulnerabilities inherent in embedded systems. This gap led to the creation of ESTM, which has since become a vital tool for organizations seeking to protect their embedded systems from cyber threats.
Recent Updates and Expansions
Last October, MITRE expanded its ATT&CK for ICS framework with new and updated Asset objects that broaden coverage of industrial equipment and attack scenarios. The update also improves alignment with sector-specific terminology through the introduction of Related Assets. These Assets represent devices and systems commonly used in industrial control environments. Each asset object maps to adversary techniques that could target a device based on its function and capabilities. The update was announced as part of the ATT&CK v18 release and launch of the ATT&CK Advisory Council. These updates demonstrate MITRE’s ongoing commitment to improving and expanding its cybersecurity frameworks, including ESTM, to address the evolving threats faced by embedded systems.
Conclusion
In conclusion, ESTM 3.0 is a critical component in the ongoing effort to protect embedded systems from cyber threats. Its development and collaboration with various organizations, including the Air Force’s Cyber Resiliency Office for Weapon Systems (CROWS), demonstrate the importance of addressing these vulnerabilities. As the threat landscape continues to evolve, the need for effective cybersecurity frameworks like ESTM will only continue to grow. By prioritizing system-agnostic tactics and techniques, aligning with established frameworks, and focusing on developing and validating attack patterns, ESTM 3.0 provides a comprehensive approach to addressing embedded system vulnerabilities and protecting critical infrastructure and defense technologies.
