Which process uses platform configuration registers (PCRs) in the Trusted Platform Module (TPM) to check system state data during boot?

Measured boot is the correct answer because it specifically involves the use of platform configuration registers (PCRs) within the Trusted Platform Module (TPM) to record and verify the state of the system during the boot process. When a computer boots, measured boot takes a snapshot of the firmware, OS loader, and other critical components, storing cryptographic hashes in the PCRs. This process allows for a chain of trust, where each component's integrity can be verified against expected values.

In this context, the role of PCRs is crucial, as they serve as a secure and tamper-resistant area to store these measurements. By comparing the values recorded in the PCRs against known good values, a system can determine whether it has been compromised since the last trusted state.

In contrast, secure boot is primarily focused on preventing the execution of unauthorized code during the boot process, while UEFI is a specification that defines the interface between an operating system and platform firmware. The TPM itself is a hardware component that provides various security functions, including but not limited to measured boot. However, it is the measured boot process that specifically utilizes PCRs in the TPM to check system state data during the boot sequence.