Behavior computation for smart grid software analysis

Smart grid embedded software is subject to intrusion and compromise with potentially serious consequences. Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is conducting research and development in the new technology of software behavior computation to help address this problem. This technology applies mathematical foundations of denotational semantics to compute the behavior of software in all circumstances of use. Behavior computation is implemented in Function eXtraction (FX) systems that perform static semantic analysis on input programs. Research has shown how to make the effects of theoretical limitations on this process, as expressed in the halting problem, arbitrarily small. Behavior computation operates on the functional semantics of programs, and is not subject to the limitations of syntactic recognition or testing. ORNL is applying FX technology to help evaluate cyber security properties in smart grid systems, with initial focus on detecting vulnerabilities in embedded software that controls smart meters.