Embedded Systems & Firmware
Firmware is the invisible foundation of modern products with digital elements and a central topic of the Cyber Resilience Act. Embedded systems in control units, microcontrollers, and real-time systems often have lifecycles spanning decades. The CRA demands continuous security updates, complete SBOMs, and structured vulnerability processes even for these systems.
CRA Relevance for Embedded Systems & Firmware
Firmware is directly subject to CRA requirements as a core component of products with digital elements. The unique characteristics of embedded systems, including long lifecycles, resource-constrained hardware, and limited update capabilities, make compliance particularly demanding.
- Firmware in control units, sensors, and actuators is an integral part of the product with digital elements and is fully subject to the CRA
- Long product lifecycles of 10 to 25 years require sustainable strategies for security updates and vulnerability management
- Resource-constrained hardware with limited memory and processing power complicates the integration of modern security mechanisms
- Real-time requirements in safety-critical applications set tight boundaries for patching and update procedures
- Legacy systems without designed-in update mechanisms must be retrofitted or phased out through clear end-of-life strategies
Compliance Challenges for Embedded Systems
Legacy Firmware Without Update Mechanisms
Many existing embedded products were designed without OTA update capability. Retrofitting secure update channels is technically complex and often requires hardware modifications.
Resource Constraints for Security Features
Microcontrollers with limited memory and processing power cannot readily implement encryption, secure boot processes, or comprehensive security monitors. CRA requirements must be aligned with hardware realities.
Long Product Lifecycles vs. Mandatory Update Obligations
Embedded systems in industrial plants or medical devices are deployed for 15 to 25 years. Providing security updates over this period requires long-term planning and resource commitment.
Hardware-Software Interface Security
The tight coupling between firmware and hardware creates specific attack vectors. Side-channel attacks, hardware tampering, and debug interfaces must be addressed in the CRA risk assessment.
How Kunnus Supports Embedded Manufacturers
Firmware SBOM Management
Kunnus creates and maintains SBOMs for firmware products, including real-time operating systems, HAL layers, and embedded libraries. The platform supports both source code and binary analysis-based SBOM generation.
Binary Analysis for Vulnerability Detection
For firmware without available source code or with third-party binary components, Kunnus offers binary analysis capabilities to identify included libraries and uncover known vulnerabilities.
OTA Update Strategy and Compliance
Kunnus documents your OTA update infrastructure in a CRA-compliant manner and assists in planning secure update mechanisms, from signed firmware delivery to rollback scenarios.
Lifecycle Security Planning
Plan the entire security lifecycle of your embedded products: from secure development through market surveillance to end of life. Kunnus assists with documenting and maintaining long-term obligations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about CRA compliance in this industry.
Check Your Embedded Products' CRA Readiness
Determine in just a few minutes how well your embedded systems and firmware products are prepared for the Cyber Resilience Act and what steps to take next.