Cache Eviction Attack
Cache eviction attack is a security vulnerability in computer systems. The attack takes advantage of how caches store and manage data. In simplified terms, a cache is a temporary storage for data that is commonly used by computer programs. The cache stores this data to reduce the time taken to access it from the main memory.
The cache eviction attack occurs when an attacker intentionally removes data from the cache to cause the system to access the main memory for that data. This causes a delay in the system, making it slower and less efficient. The attacker can use this to their advantage by timing their attack to cause a delay when the system is processing sensitive information, such as passwords or credit card numbers.
This attack is possible because of the way that caches work. Caches usually have a limited size, meaning that they can only hold a certain amount of data. When the cache is full, the system replaces the oldest data with new data. If an attacker can force the system to replace specific data, they can cause delays and force sensitive information to be accessed from the main memory.
In conclusion, the cache eviction attack is a security vulnerability that exploits the way caches store and manage data. The attacker intentionally removes data from the cache to force the system to access sensitive information from the main memory, causing delays in the system. It is important to understand this vulnerability to take appropriate measures to prevent it from being exploited.