TL;DR
Yes, vulnerability management tools can highlight BIOS and driver-level vulnerabilities, but it requires specific features, integrations, and often a combination of different scanning methods. Standard network scanners won’t find these – you need agent-based solutions or dedicated hardware/firmware assessment tools.
How to Scan for BIOS & Driver Vulnerabilities
- Understand the Challenge: Traditional vulnerability scanners focus on operating system and application vulnerabilities. BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) and drivers reside at a lower level, requiring different scanning techniques.
- Agent-Based Scanning: This is the most common approach.
- Install an agent on each endpoint (computer).
- The agent scans for installed drivers and BIOS versions.
- It then compares this information against a vulnerability database to identify known issues.
- Example Tools: Qualys VMDR, Tenable Nessus with driver plugin, Rapid7 InsightVM.
- Hardware Inventory & Composition Analysis (HICA): HICA tools go beyond basic inventory and attempt to identify the specific components of hardware, including firmware versions.
- These often integrate with vulnerability management platforms.
- Example Tools: Lansweeper, AssetSonar. Integration is key here – you need data flowing *into* your VM tool.
- Dedicated Firmware Scanning Tools: For deeper analysis.
- These tools often require more expertise to use and interpret results.
- They can identify vulnerabilities in the BIOS itself, not just outdated versions.
- Example Tools: ESET SysInspector (can detect BIOS information), specialized firmware security platforms.
- Driver Vulnerability Databases & Integrations: Ensure your vulnerability management tool has access to comprehensive driver vulnerability data.
- Many tools integrate with databases like the National Vulnerability Database (NVD) and vendor-specific security advisories.
- Check if your tool supports importing custom vulnerability feeds for drivers.
- Automated Patching & Updates: Once vulnerabilities are identified, automate patching where possible.
- Many BIOS updates require manual intervention (rebooting into the BIOS setup).
- Driver updates can often be automated through patch management systems.
- Example: Use a tool like Chocolatey or SCCM to deploy driver packages.
choco upgrade
- Regular Scanning Schedule: BIOS and drivers are updated less frequently than operating systems, but it’s still important to scan regularly (e.g., monthly or quarterly).
- Reporting & Remediation Tracking: Generate reports on identified vulnerabilities and track remediation efforts.
- Prioritize vulnerabilities based on severity and exploitability.
- Focus on critical systems first.
Important Considerations
- False Positives: Be prepared for false positives, especially with driver vulnerability scans. Verify findings before taking action.
- Compatibility: Ensure that any updates you apply are compatible with your hardware and operating system.
- Testing: Test BIOS and driver updates in a non-production environment before deploying them to production systems.
- cyber security implications of firmware vulnerabilities can be severe, as they often cannot be easily detected or mitigated by traditional security measures.