• Security flaws or weaknesses in a device’s physical components or design that can be exploited to compromise system integrity, confidentiality, or availability

Types of Hardware Vulnerabilities

Firmware Vulnerabilities

• Specialized software stored on hardware devices
• Can grant attackers full control, leading to unauthorized access or takeover
• Vulnerabilities due to insecure development, outdated practices, and overlooked updates

End-of-Life, Legacy, and Unsupported Systems

• End-of-Life — No updates or support from the manufacturer
• Legacy — Outdated and superseded by newer alternatives
• Unsupported — No official support, security updates or patches
• Vulnerable due to the lack of patching and updates

Unpatched Systems

• Devices, applications, or software without the latest security patches
• Exposed to known exploits and attacks
• Risk from oversight, negligence, or challenges in updating

Hardware Misconfigurations

• Incorrect device settings or options
• May lead to vulnerabilities, performance issues, or unintended behavior
• Caused by oversight, lack of understanding, or deployment errors

Mitigation Strategies