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CWE-1328

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CWE-1328

Security Version Number Mutable to Older Versions

Base
Draft

Description

Security-version number in hardware is mutable, resulting in the ability to downgrade (roll-back) the boot firmware to vulnerable code versions.

{"xhtml:p":["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."]}

Parent Weaknesses (ChildOf)

Related Weaknesses

Common Consequences

Scope

Confidentiality
Integrity
Authentication
Authorization

Impact

Other

Potential Mitigations

Architecture and Design

When architecting the system, security version data should be designated for storage in registers that are either read-only or have access controls that prevent modification by an untrusted agent.

Implementation

During implementation and test, security version data should be demonstrated to be read-only and access controls should be validated.

Applicable Platforms

Not Language-Specific

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