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System and method for updating firmware in a secure manner

  • US 20060174240A1
  • Filed: 02/01/2006
  • Published: 08/03/2006
  • Est. Priority Date: 02/02/2005
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A method for securely updating firmware in an electronic device, comprising:

  • dividing a firmware image to create a plurality of virtual image modules, the plurality of virtual image modules stored in at least one location outside a ROM image located in the electronic device;

    providing an update validation procedure for validating an updated virtual image module during pre-boot, the update validation procedure identified by a unique identifier and including a decryption process;

    including a reference for each of the plurality of virtual image modules in a build of firmware placed in the ROM image, each reference including a version identifier, a message digest and a unique identifier for an associated virtual image module, the build of firmware in the ROM image also including a reference to the update validation procedure;

    providing an updated virtual image module that includes a version identifier; and

    using the update validation procedure identified by the reference in the ROM image to validate the updated virtual image module during pre-boot.

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