We will present the common elements and basic mechanisms of modern tamper-evident seals, tags, and labels, with emphasis on attack and circumvention. Adhesive seals, crimp seals, wire wraps, fiber optic seals, electronic, chemical, biological, and make-shift seals will be dissected, examined, and explained, with emphasis on their shortcomings and circumvention techniques. We will also present an overview of typical applications for tags, seals, and labels, including covert traps and uses ranging from consumer goods to loss reduction to government secrets.

1. How to Steal a Nuclear WarheadWithout Voiding Your XBox Warranty An Introduction to Tamper-Evident Devices, Applications, Design, & Circumvention Jamie Schwettmann & Eric Michaud

2. The Way Things Will Go What are Tamper-Evident Devices & Why Should I care? The Proof is in the, uhm, …what Proof? Types of Devices: Adhesives, Inks, and Sealants Wraps, Seals, Physical Barriers Optics, Electronics, and Alarms Other Unique Devices Tag, You’re it! Attacks and Bypasses Seal the Deal! Risks and Implications of Tamper, from Real-life Scenarios J. Schwettmann & E. Michaud, BlackHat DC, 18 Jan 2011

3. What are Tamper-Evident Devices and Why Should I Care?

4. What are Tamper-Evident Devices? These are not the tags and seals you’re looking for. Move along. J. Schwettmann & E. Michaud, BlackHat DC, 18 Jan 2011

5. What are Tamper-Evident Devices? Definition: Any tag, seal, alarm or other indicator which can be employed to evidence unauthorized intrusion or alteration to a container, room, building, device housing, or other material is a tamper-evident device. Materials secured by such devices are often said to be “sealed” J. Schwettmann & E. Michaud, BlackHat DC, 18 Jan 2011

6. What are Tamper-Evident Devices? Humans learned tamper-evidencing from Nature Probably Safe to Eat Probably NOT SAFE to Eat Photos: Jamie Schwettmann J. Schwettmann & E. Michaud, BlackHat DC, 18 Jan 2011

7. What are Tamper-Evident Devices? At least 7,000 years ago, intricate stone carvings were pressed into clay to seal jars and later, writing tablets. Photo: uriel_1998 J. Schwettmann & E. Michaud, BlackHat DC, 18 Jan 2011

8. Why Should I Care? Everybody’s doing it… And so are YOU. Avoid lawsuits and recalls Shrink & fraud reduction Quality assurance Don’t trust the messenger… check for tampering. J. Schwettmann & E. Michaud, BlackHat DC, 18 Jan 2011

9. The Proof is in the… … uhm, what Proof?Inspection Methods andEvidence

10. The Proof: Inspection Methods Casual Inspection (duh, it’s broken) NO SPECIAL TOOLS REQUIRED!!! Photo: Jamie Schwettmann J. Schwettmann & E. Michaud, BlackHat DC, 18 Jan 2011

11. The Proof: Inspection Methods Blink Comparison Photo: Jamie Schwettmann One of these things is not like the others… J. Schwettmann & E. Michaud, BlackHat DC, 18 Jan 2011

12. The Proof: Inspection Methods Blink Comparison Photo: Jamie Schwettmann One of these things is not like the others… J. Schwettmann & E. Michaud, BlackHat DC, 18 Jan 2011

13. The Proof: Inspection Methods Traps and Alarms Designed to automate notification of tampering J. Schwettmann & E. Michaud, BlackHat DC, 18 Jan 2011

14. The Proof: Inspection Methods Rigorous Scientific Examination Materials Analysis Xray, UV, and Microscopy Circuit Verification Chemical Testing Checksums and Hashing J. Schwettmann & E. Michaud, BlackHat DC, 18 Jan 2011

15. Types of Devices

16. Adhesives, Inks, & Sealants: Characterization Adhesives Bonds to surface Overt removal damages surface or film barrier Inks, Marks, & Stamps Visually broken by tampering Sealants Similar to adhesive No film or other barrier necessary Photo: Joe Shlabotnik J. Schwettmann & E. Michaud, BlackHat DC, 18 Jan 2011

17. Adhesives, Inks, & Sealants: Circumvention Thermal Stressing (best) Heat: hair dryer or heat gun Cold: freezer or dry ice Solvents (may be messy) Alcohols Acids Petrochemicals Mineral Oil Water or Steam Needles & Razor Blades J. Schwettmann & E. Michaud, BlackHat DC, 18 Jan 2011

18. Wraps, Crimps, Physical Barriers: Characterization All require material rupture to evidence tampering. Wraps: Cover or surround container or device Sealed with heat, adhesive, or mechanically crimped Plastic, paper, or foil films Crimps: Mechanical or heat-pressed seal Metal, plastic, paper, foil Other Physical Barriers: Wire wraps, zip ties, cup seals, pull-tabs, break-away caps, perforated films, tapes, blisterpacks, band seals, bolt locks, plastic padlocks, dangle-tabs, rivets, etc. J. Schwettmann & E. Michaud, BlackHat DC, 18 Jan 2011

19. Wraps, Crimps, Physical Barriers: Circumvention Most require physical manipulation or modification, followed by reinstatement of seal Many can be shimmed Thermal Stress still helps Custom tools may be required J. Schwettmann & E. Michaud, BlackHat DC, 18 Jan 2011

20. Optics, Electronics, Alarms: Characterization Unifying feature: Sensors Optical Devices Beam-break Motion detection Often trigger other events Electronic Devices Any kind of switch or sensor may be used RFIDs!!! SERIOUSLY!? Alarms Active alert of breach Often connected to electronics (not always) J. Schwettmann & E. Michaud, BlackHat DC, 18 Jan 2011

21. Optics, Electronics, Alarms: Circumvention Automation makes humans lazy => less examination may occur! Electronic devices have inherent sampling rates and trigger tolerance – events outside these won’t trigger Inline signal and alarm bypasses may be available Devices operating on a network may be susceptible to additional attacks Many are themselves tamper-evidenced with physical methods J. Schwettmann & E. Michaud, BlackHat DC, 18 Jan 2011

22. Tag, You’re It!Attacks, Bypasses and Circumventions

23. Bypass of Wire Wraps Classic Coke shimming method Requires: Razorblade Coke Photos: Gabriel Lawrence J. Schwettmann & E. Michaud, BlackHat DC, 18 Jan 2011

24. Barriers: Bypassing Films and Stickers Go a little MacGuyver Fishing Line/Mint Dental Floss Goo Gone/Acetone/Similar Solvents Hypodermic Needle Sewing Needles A steady and patient hand Heat Gun Attack the containers skip the Seals! Photo: Gabriel Lawrence Photo: Gabriel Lawrence J. Schwettmann & E. Michaud, BlackHat DC, 18 Jan 2011

25. Barriers: Attacking Bolt Seals Two methods: Dissolve. Shim, or drill retaining ring, then replace Cut head off, add screw and Loctite J. Schwettmann & E. Michaud, BlackHat DC, 18 Jan 2011

26. Barriers: Attacking Bolt Seals Two methods: Dissolve. Shim, or drill retaining ring, then replace Cut head off, add screw and Loctite 1 Retaining Ring J. Schwettmann & E. Michaud, BlackHat DC, 18 Jan 2011

27. Barriers: Attacking Bolt Seals Two methods: Dissolve. Shim, or drill retaining ring, then replace Cut head off, add screw and Loctite 1 Drill here Retaining Ring J. Schwettmann & E. Michaud, BlackHat DC, 18 Jan 2011

28. Barriers: Attacking Bolt Seals Two methods: Dissolve. Shim, or drill retaining ring, then replace Cut head off, add screw and Loctite Cut as high as possible 2 J. Schwettmann & E. Michaud, BlackHat DC, 18 Jan 2011

29. Bypass Bolt Barrier Seals Polycarbonate Seals are prone to material removal Insert tool in hole on base with nail or chisel then spin plug till it releases. For Metal plugs make custom shim To reseal press plug back in. J. Schwettmann & E. Michaud, BlackHat DC, 18 Jan 2011

31. Take off a hinge

32. Cut a hole in the side …and then repair it. Photo: Thomas Hawk J. Schwettmann & E. Michaud, BlackHat DC, 18 Jan 2011

34. Take off a hinge

35. Cut a hole in the side …and then repair it. Photo: Thomas Hawk J. Schwettmann & E. Michaud, BlackHat DC, 18 Jan 2011

37. Take off a hinge

38. Cut a hole in the side …and then repair it. Photo: Thomas Hawk J. Schwettmann & E. Michaud, BlackHat DC, 18 Jan 2011

40. Take off a hinge

41. Cut a hole in the side …and then repair it. Photo: Thomas Hawk J. Schwettmann & E. Michaud, BlackHat DC, 18 Jan 2011

43. Take off a hinge

44. Cut a hole in the side …and then repair it. Photo: Thomas Hawk J. Schwettmann & E. Michaud, BlackHat DC, 18 Jan 2011

45. Circumventing Cup Seals Similar to removing a water bottle cap… Shape a stiff piece of metal into a hook, insert/twist/depress tangs and repeat To reseal, reset tangs, then press cap back into place J. Schwettmann & E. Michaud, BlackHat DC, 18 Jan 2011

46. Breakaway Tags/Padlocks Shimming and chiseling work well for these padlocks. Splitting down side then careful re-gluing works also Heat Gun to replace physical distress marks J. Schwettmann & E. Michaud, BlackHat DC, 18 Jan 2011

47. Breakaway Tags/Padlocks Chisel Shim Re-glue Insert Shims/Chisels at entrance, either reset or glue. Photo: timlewisnm J. Schwettmann & E. Michaud, BlackHat DC, 18 Jan 2011

48. Breakaway Plastic Bands Plastic Bands Chisel the restricting tips Heat Gun to reset color of physical stress indicators Spread Heat over physically distressed areas Insert chisel here and chop! J. Schwettmann & E. Michaud, BlackHat DC, 18 Jan 2011

49. Bypassing Metal Band Seals Many Mechanisms simply beaten with bent pieces of metal Photo: Gabriel Lawrence J. Schwettmann & E. Michaud, BlackHat DC, 18 Jan 2011

50. Wax Seals Defeats Thermal Stressing Hot air Gun to make pliable Canned Air to cause shrinkage and removal then reheat to reapply Photo: Joe Shlablotnik Photos: Gabriel Lawrence J. Schwettmann & E. Michaud, BlackHat DC, 18 Jan 2011

51. Defeating Envelopes Steaming still works! but if it doesn’t, other solvents probably will! J. Schwettmann & E. Michaud, BlackHat DC, 18 Jan 2011

52. Seal the Deal! Risks and Implications of Tamper:Real-World Scenarios

53. Scenario One: The XBox Tamper Seal Easily removed unscathed with a hairdryer and razor blade. J. Schwettmann & E. Michaud, BlackHat DC, 18 Jan 2011

54. Scenario Two: Drug Tests Anyone? Who relies on a clean test to keep their jobs and clearances? J. Schwettmann & E. Michaud, BlackHat DC, 18 Jan 2011

55. Scenario Three: This Pepsi Stings Remember the summer of 93? It’s a long time ago, I know… Rumors of Syringes in Pepsi cans Turned out to be a hoax, but severally harmed the image of Pepsi Your Assembly Process is part of the Tamper-Evident system also! Even though it was hoaxed by many copy-cats, Pepsi had to release ads and the FDA had to get involved. J. Schwettmann & E. Michaud, BlackHat DC, 18 Jan 2011

56. Scenario Four: Chicago Tylenol Murders Potassium Cyanide is my drug of choice… What happened? Deaths from Cyanide-laced Extra Strength Tylenol, 1982-1986 On some bottles, the seals had not been broken Results: On October 5, 1982, Johnson & Johnson issued a nationwide recall of Tylenol products; an estimated 31 million bottles were in circulation, with a retail value of over$100M. Johnson & Johnson went from 38% of sales to 8% It did rebound after a year, …but not without the loss. J. Schwettmann & E. Michaud, BlackHat DC, 18 Jan 2011

57. Scenario Four: Chicago Tylenol Murders Unsolved mystery No killer has been found… the case is still open J&J claims the bottles were tampered on the shelves No evidence of post-production bottle-tampering was found Monsanto, also in Illinois, filed patent 4439453for tableting acetaminophen in Sep 1982, just a week before the Tylenol murders began… A change to the industry Federal Anti-Tampering Act (1983) Capsules replaced by tablets …industry-wide J. Schwettmann & E. Michaud, BlackHat DC, 18 Jan 2011

58. Scenario Five: Now where did I leave that fissile material? The IAEA details transportation requirements and does inspections. Represents the UN and the Security Council Lost Source Incidences Rogue States – DPRK Anyone? Material Sold to Non-Security Council countries Photo: ANL VAT J. Schwettmann & E. Michaud, BlackHat DC, 18 Jan 2011

59. Conclusions…

60. Conclusion If possible, avoid attacking the seal directly. J. Schwettmann & E. Michaud, BlackHat DC, 18 Jan 2011

61. Conclusion If possible, avoid attacking the seal directly. J. Schwettmann & E. Michaud, BlackHat DC, 18 Jan 2011

62. Conclusion Image: TshirtHell.com J. Schwettmann & E. Michaud, BlackHat DC, 18 Jan 2011

63. Additional Resources Your local arts, crafts, and hardware store!! Tamper-Evident Devices: Journal of Physical Security (Argonne National Laboratory Vulnerability Assessment Team) Insecurity of Drug Testing: Journal of Drug Issues Freight Container Mechanical Seals: ISO/PAS 17712 (2010) J. Schwettmann & E. Michaud, BlackHat DC, 18 Jan 2011

64. For a Seal-Clubbing Good Time Call Jamie Schwettmann Em: jamie@i11industries.com Tw: brink_0x3f Eric Michaud Em: eric@i11industries.com Tw: EricMichaud