CWE-1328 - Security Version Number Mutable to Older Versions
CWE-1328
- Abstraction:
- Base
- Structure:
- Simple
- Status:
- Draft
- Weakness Name
Security Version Number Mutable to Older Versions
- Description
Security-version number in hardware is mutable, resulting in the ability to downgrade (roll-back) the boot firmware to vulnerable code versions.
A System-on-Chip (SoC) implements secure boot or verified boot. It might support a security version number, which prevents downgrading the current firmware to a vulnerable version. Once downgraded to a previous version, an adversary can launch exploits on the SoC and thus compromise the security of the SoC. These downgrade attacks are also referred to as roll-back attacks. The security version number must be stored securely and persistently across power-on resets. A common weakness is that the security version number is modifiable by an adversary, allowing roll-back or downgrade attacks or, under certain circumstances, preventing upgrades (i.e. Denial-of-Service on upgrades). In both cases, the SoC is in a vulnerable state.
- Common Consequences
Scope: Confidentiality, Integrity, Authentication, Authorization
Impact: Other
Notes: Impact includes roll-back or downgrade to a vulnerable version of the firmware or DoS (prevent upgrades).
- Related Weaknesses
- Release Date:
- 2020-12-10
- Latest Modification Date:
- 2023-06-29
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