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Microsoft has unveiled the public preview of its Firmware Analysis tool for IoT/OT and network devices. This service automates security analysis by examining binary firmware images—the low-level software running on embedded devices. Users can upload unencrypted, Linux-based firmware images to the portal, which then unpacks the file system, inspects components, and detects hidden threats—without requiring any on-device agent.
Key Capabilities:
✅ Software Component & Vulnerability Identification – Detects outdated libraries and known CVEs.
✅ Binary Security Hardening Analysis – Checks for missing ASLR, DEP, or stack protection.
✅ Weak Credentials & Embedded Secrets – Scans for hardcoded passwords, API keys, and private certificates.
🔗 Blog Post: Firmware Analysis Announcement
You Should Know: Practical Firmware Analysis Commands & Techniques
1. Extracting Firmware Manually (Linux)
Use `binwalk` to analyze and extract firmware:
binwalk -e firmware.bin Extracts filesystem binwalk -Me firmware.bin Recursive extraction
For encrypted firmware, try `firmware-mod-kit`:
./extract-firmware.sh firmware.bin
2. Analyzing Filesystem Contents
Search for hardcoded secrets:
grep -r "password|api_key|secret" extracted_fs/
Check for SUID binaries (privilege escalation risks):
find extracted_fs/ -perm -4000 -exec ls -la {} \;
3. Vulnerability Scanning
Use `cve-search` to match components against known vulnerabilities:
python3 cve_search.py -i extracted_fs/usr/bin/ -o vuln_report.json
4. Emulating Firmware for Dynamic Analysis
Run firmware in QEMU for dynamic testing:
qemu-system-arm -M virt -kernel extracted_fs/zImage -initrd extracted_fs/rootfs.img
5. Microsoft’s Firmware Analysis Portal (Automated)
Upload firmware via API:
curl -X POST -H "Authorization: Bearer $TOKEN" -F "[email protected]" https://firmware-analysis.api.microsoft.com/scan
What Undercode Say
Firmware attacks are escalating—37 critical vulns found in a 2025 Asus router firmware (some dating back to 2016). Proactive analysis is critical for IoT/OT security.
Expected Output:
- Vulnerability report (CVEs, weak credentials).
- Binary hardening flags (missing protections).
- Secrets exposure (API keys, passwords).
Prediction
By 2026, automated firmware analysis will become mandatory for compliance (like NIST IoT guidelines). Expect more AI-driven tools for zero-day detection in embedded systems.
🔗 Relevant Links:
IT/Security Reporter URL:
Reported By: Markolauren We – Hackers Feeds
Extra Hub: Undercode MoN
Basic Verification: Pass ✅
