In a continued effort to revolutionize legacy software security, the ORION NTROPEE facility proudly hosted the most recent AMP Hackathon on March 5, 2024. This event, organized by DARPA researchers, students, and industry partners, marks another milestone in advancing micropatching techniques to secure critical infrastructure systems.
The preceding hackathon, held in November 2023 at Cummins, Inc., headquarters in Columbus, Indiana, showcased the collaborative efforts of students from Colorado State University (CSU) and partners including Assured Information Security (AIS), Cummins Inc., NASA, and GRIMM. Together, they employed innovative tools to address vulnerabilities in NASA JPL concept rovers, satellites, Cummins engine controllers, and supporting computer systems.
At the ORION NTROPEE facility, researchers and engineers from AIS provided mentorship and support as participants leverage AMP tools to tackle simulated real-world vulnerabilities. Developed through the DARPA Assured Micropatching (AMP) program, these tools enable rapid patching of legacy binaries, ushering in a new era of bug resolution and assurance.
“Culminating from the success of our recent event, the AMP Hackathon at NTROPEE signifies a continued commitment to progress in legacy software security,” said Eric Thayer, Chief Engineer at AIS. “The collaborative spirit and dedication exhibited by participants underscored the potential for ongoing innovation in how we deal with legacy software vulnerabilities in our nation’s most critical systems.”
During the hackathon, more than 70 participants worked diligently to identify and mitigate vulnerabilities, armed with limited prior knowledge of the architecture or source code. Their efforts were supported by mentorship from seasoned researchers, ensuring a conducive environment for learning and experimentation.
The success of the AMP Hackathons not only demonstrates the efficacy of micropatching techniques but also highlights the invaluable contributions of the next generation of engineers. Their dedication and innovation pave the way for a more secure digital landscape, with far-reaching implications for national security.
ORION at NTROPEE is a 20,000 square foot hangar equipped with classrooms, technology and the space for projects requiring a large footprint. The facility stands ready to host future endeavors, fostering collaboration and driving impactful change in the field. See more about our events here.
