Tools & Components

Tools and components for embedded development that make your life as a developer more efficient, fun and stress-free. Logic Technology offers only high-quality embedded software- and hardware tools and components.

View all tools
Bootloaders, UEFI BIOS and OpenBMC Boundary Scan Testing Code Coverage Coding Standards Communication Protocols and Stacks Computer Modules Connectors Data Management Debuggers and Trace Dependency Structure Matrix – DSM Development Kits Device Programmers File Systems IDEs IoT and Edge device security Model Driven Software Engineering RTOS Real-Time Operating systems Software Quality Tools Static Code Analysis Storyboard 9.0 TBsafe Test and Burn-In Sockets Traceability and Certification UI Graphical Interface Software Unit Testing
Home » Knowledge center » The Top 5 Vulnerabilities in Embedded Software and How to Prevent Them

The Top 5 Vulnerabilities in Embedded Software and How to Prevent Them

Embedded systems power today’s most critical technologies, from automotive control units to medical and industrial devices. Yet even a single vulnerability can expose your entire product line to cyber risk and CRA non-compliance.

Here are the five most common firmware vulnerabilities and how to prevent them.

 

1. Buffer Overflows
Data written beyond memory boundaries can cause corruption or code execution.
Prevent it: validate inputs, use safe string functions, and run binary-level checks before release.

2. Memory Leaks & Stack Corruption
Unreleased or corrupted memory leads to crashes in safety-critical systems.
Prevent it: automate memory checks, analyze heap and stack usage, and scan firmware for anomalies.

3. Insecure Third-Party Libraries
Outdated open-source components often contain known CVEs.
Prevent it: maintain an SBOM, track dependencies, and scan regularly for vulnerable libraries.

4. Weak Encryption & Authentication
Hardcoded passwords or weak crypto make firmware easy to exploit.
Prevent it: apply modern encryption standards, remove hardcoded secrets, and secure key storage.

5. Lack of Continuous Monitoring
Even good code decays over time as new threats emerge.
Prevent it: integrate automated vulnerability scanning into your CI/CD pipeline and monitor post-deployment.

See What Source Scanners Miss

Every software update, library integration, or compiler change introduces risk. Even if your system was secure at launch, new vulnerabilities can emerge daily. Recent research shows that over 80% of embedded systems reuse open-source components, which means that a single unpatched library can put thousands of devices at risk. Each scan includes:
  • Password Hash Audit
  • Malware Analysis
  • Hardening Check
  • Capabilities Review
  • Kernel Security Check
  • Cryptographic Material Scan
  • Compliance indicators: how your code aligns with CRA
  • Actionable insights: clear next steps to improve code security and even apply patches
Get a detailed report showing exactly where your code is exposed and how to fix it.
Iphone scherm met een firmware security scan die een overall security score van 16 procent toont, inclusief melding dat de embedded software ernstige kwetsbaarheden bevat die directe aandacht vereisen.

Stay Ahead of the Cyber Resilience Act

The EU Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) requires all connected products to maintain a proven security baseline throughout their lifecycle. Non-compliance can mean lost market access, recalls, or fines. Start with visibility.
Gevorg Melikdjanjan

Gevorg Melikdjanjan

Security | Reliability | Data Solutions

Is your software compliant with the Cyber Resilience Act (CRA)?

I help you identify where you stand and ensure your software meets CRA requirements. Logic Technology performs GDPR-compliant binary scans, your data is handled securely and permanently deleted after analysis.

Schedule a meeting Chat now