Cache Timing Attack
Cache Timing Attack is a security vulnerability exploited by hackers to extract sensitive data from a computer system. In simple terms, computer programs store some of the data temporarily in a cache memory (a small and fast storage device) to reduce the computer’s speed while accessing data from the primary memory (RAM). This cache memory is divided into smaller sections called cache lines, each of which can store a few words of data.
In the Cache Timing Attack, the attacker manipulates this caching mechanism to extract sensitive data by measuring the time taken to access specific memory locations. By repeatedly accessing a cache line and measuring its response time, the attacker can identify which lines contain the target data, even if the data is encrypted or password-protected.
For example, an attacker could execute a malicious code on a website to load specific JavaScript objects into the victim’s browser cache. The attacker can then access this cache information and measure how long it takes the browser to access each stored cache line. The attacker can then identify the victim’s sensitive data by measuring the different response times.
To prevent Cache Timing Attack, software developers can implement countermeasures such as encrypting sensitive data or randomizing memory access patterns. Browser vendors also implement sandboxing and isolation techniques to mitigate this vulnerability.