Retpoline: a software construct for preventing branch-target-injection

Started by Stefan, March 10, 2018, 08:59:37 PM

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Stefan

"Retpoline" sequences are a software construct which allow indirect branches to be isolated from speculative execution.  This may be applied to protect sensitive binaries (such as operating system or hypervisor implementations) from branch target injection attacks against their indirect branches. 
The name "retpoline" is a portmanteau of "return" and "trampoline."  It is a trampoline construct constructed using return operations which also figuratively ensures that any associated speculative execution will "bounce" endlessly. 

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