An overview of storage firmware and the importance of updates

How does storage firmware work?

Firmware is a specialized form of software code embedded directly into a storage device during the manufacturing process. The device's microcontroller unit, also known as the controller, executes the code as part of managing the storage media and its data. The code includes sophisticated algorithms that determine the device's behavior and ensure that the data can be securely stored, retrieved and managed throughout its lifecycle.

The exact operations supported by a device's firmware depend on the type of storage device, as well as the manufacturer and model. No matter the type, it invariably includes some type of firmware that manages that device's functions and data and carries out ongoing maintenance operations. The firmware also facilitates communications between the device and other components, using industry-standard interfaces, such as SATA, SAS or NVMe.

A storage device typically includes a printed circuit board (PCB) with a microcontroller that serves as a CPU for executing the firmware code. If the device is an SSD, the NAND chips are also on the PCB. If the device is an HDD, the storage platters are separate but contained within the same device casing.

Outdated storage firmware might contain known vulnerabilities, putting an organization's sensitive data in jeopardy.

The firmware code itself can be embedded into the device in different ways, depending on the device type and manufacturer preference. The code might be stored in a ROM module on the PCB or in the device's main storage media, or both. It might also be stored in a memory module connected directly to the controller.

Firmware code is made up of individual modules that carry out storage management functions specific to the type of drive and the model. The firmware is often written in C or C++. When a drive first starts up, it executes the initial firmware code, which, in turn, launches an elaborate boot-up process, similar to a computer's OS. If firmware code is on the drive's storage media, it is loaded into the drive's memory, where each module can be executed.

Depending on the drive, firmware code can get complex and lengthy because it is responsible for many essential tasks. For example, an SSD's firmware typically performs wear leveling, garbage collection, error correction and data protection. Firmware is critical to the efficient and reliable operation of any storage device and to the integrity and availability of the device's data. In today's enterprise environments, the storage firmware must support large-capacity drives, which adds to its complexity, while optimizing read/write operations for mission-critical workloads.

The importance of updating storage firmware

Because firmware is a form of software, it is often possible and beneficial to update it on a storage device. One of the most important reasons is to address security risks. Outdated storage firmware might contain known vulnerabilities, putting an organization's sensitive data in jeopardy. Firmware updates often include security patches that address these risks so threat actors can't exploit those vulnerabilities if they're able to gain access to the drive.

Firmware is just as susceptible to bugs, glitches and defects as any other types of software. Such flaws might be the result of poor design, lack of thorough testing or a glitch in the manufacturing process. Whatever the reason, buggy firmware can impact performance, disrupt operations and open the data to security threats. It can also lead to a drive's premature failure.

Firmware updates can help to address these issues, improve performance, optimize the drive's overall operations and even extend the drive's life span. They can also help address compatibility issues that might arise from the introduction of new hardware or software technologies. More importantly, regular updates are essential to protect the device's data and ensure its ongoing integrity.

In some cases, storage administrators might need to contend with firmware that has become corrupted, which can occur for a variety of reasons:

• A firmware update that is disrupted during the updating process.
• Power surges, power outages or other electrical disruptions.
• Malware attack.
• Drive that suffers physical trauma and internal damage.
• Drive deterioration with age.
• Defects within the firmware.

Some storage devices support automatic firmware updates, which can help simplify the update process. Even if the process is only semiautomated, it can still make life easier for storage administrators. In some cases, however, administrators must update storage firmware manually.

Because firmware is unique to a specific device, administrators should look to the device's vendor for information and tools for updating it. They should then carefully follow the vendor's instructions to ensure the updating process doesn't make matters worse. They need to repeat this process for each storage device model they support.

Challenges to firmware implementations

Firmware comes with challenges for both the vendor and the storage administrator. For the vendor, the trick is in developing the storage firmware, a task not to be taken lightly. Firmware contains complex algorithms that vendors must carefully plan and test to ensure that it can effectively control the storage device and its data, regardless of the circumstances.

As part of this process, developers must consider several factors, such as the type of drive, its intended purpose and the exact operations it should perform. They must also consider factors such as the type of memory and types of interfaces. Even the smallest code defect can have significant consequences in terms of performance and routine operations, as well as data security and integrity.

For administrators, it can be difficult to attribute anomalous behavior in a storage device to its firmware because a particular symptom can be the result of many issues.

Malware is particularly challenging because it can be difficult to detect in firmware. Traditional antivirus tools might not be able to find or remove the malware, leaving the drive and its data vulnerable to exploitation. Malware within a device's firmware can cause the device to malfunction or become inaccessible. It can also result in sensitive data becoming corrupted or compromised.

As malware attacks become more sophisticated and targeted, protecting the firmware is presenting a greater challenge than ever, calling for new strategies for how to protect storage devices and prevent infections. Until then, the best defense is still to apply the most recent firmware updates when they become available.

Unfortunately, updating firmware often represents its own set of challenges. Update requirements and procedures vary from one model to the next. If administrators manage a variety of different storage devices, they must use the procedures and tools specific to each model, applying the updates with extreme caution. They must be prepared to roll back their changes if an update should fail, if it is even possible. Tread carefully, as one of the most common causes of firmware corruption is the update process itself.

Robert Sheldon is a technical consultant and freelance technology writer. He has written numerous books, articles and training materials related to Windows, databases, business intelligence and other areas of technology.