Closed CPU's and Fabs Untrustworthy

[Zenaan Harkness]

On Thu, Jun 16, 2016 at 01:06:58AM -0500, Shawn K. Quinn wrote:
> On Thu, 2016-06-16 at 01:22 -0400, grarpamp wrote:
> > https://boingboing.net/2016/06/15/intel-x86-processors-ship-with.html
> > Recent Intel x86 processors implement a secret, powerful control
> > mechanism that runs on a separate chip that no one is allowed to audit
> > or examine.
> > 
> > https://libreboot.org/faq/
> > Links being mostly on the billions of gates we know exist,
> > unfortunately not on the top secret ones we don't...
> 
> A computer inside a computer, running an OS the users can't change or
> audit. What could possibly go wrong? And what derelict clown thought up
> this idea?

The derelict clowns at the NSA and other US MIC organs, who pay a pretty
penny for the in CPU operating system!

And, of course, the derelict clowns heading up Intel who take the money.


> The existence of this malware is bad enough if it can be disabled, or
> changed to no longer be a threat. The fact that the CPU will not boot or
> will not stay running if this "other" CPU is physically removed, makes
> this a disaster. This makes the Pentium FDIV and F00F bugs look like the
> missing yellow key bug in MAP31 of the TNT: Evilution episode of Final
> Doom. (Which is to say, an annoyance but one which can be easily worked
> around.)
> 
> Do AMD CPUs have these yet? How about other manufacturers (if there are
> any left)? Is this something we have to worry about today on any new
> computer designed for Intel CPUs, or is this just for "enterprise-level"
> gear? How do I know if a computer has this *before* I buy it?

You sir, are not entitled to know! Now get back to your subservient life,
peasant!