CWE-1234: Hardware Internal or Debug Modes Allow Override of Locks

What is Hardware Internal or Debug Modes Allow Override of Locks?

• Overview: This vulnerability occurs when hardware devices provide internal or debug modes that can bypass system configuration protections, such as lock bits that prevent unauthorized modification of critical system settings.

• Exploitation Methods:

• Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by accessing debug or internal modes to override lock protections, allowing unauthorized changes to system configurations.
• Common attack patterns include using hardware debug interfaces or exploiting undocumented features in the hardware design to gain control over protected system settings.

• Security Impact:

• Direct consequences include unauthorized modifications to critical system configurations, potentially compromising device integrity.
• Potential cascading effects can result in system instability, data breaches, or the disabling of essential security features.
• Business impact may include loss of customer trust, legal liabilities, and significant financial costs due to data breaches or system failures.

• Prevention Guidelines:

• Implement strict access controls and authentication for any debug or internal modes to ensure only authorized personnel can access these features.
• Follow security best practices by disabling or restricting debug features in production environments unless absolutely necessary.
• Use recommended tools and frameworks that provide robust security features, and regularly audit hardware designs for potential vulnerabilities.

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Technical Details

Likelihood of Exploit: Not specified

Affected Languages: Not Language-Specific

Affected Technologies: Not Technology-Specific

Vulnerable Code Example

// This code snippet simulates a system configuration check during boot
// The presence of a `DEBUG` flag allows bypassing critical security locks

const DEBUG = true; // Debug mode is enabled, allowing security bypass

function initializeSystem() {
    if (DEBUG) { 
        console.log("System initialized in debug mode. Security checks are bypassed.");
        unlockAllFeatures(); // All features, including restricted ones, are unlocked
    } else {
        performSecurityChecks();
        console.log("System initialized with security checks.");
    }
}

function unlockAllFeatures() {
    // Function to unlock all features without security checks
    console.log("All features unlocked.");
}

function performSecurityChecks() {
    // Placeholder for actual security checks
    console.log("Performing security checks...");
}

initializeSystem();

Explanation

• Vulnerability: The DEBUG flag is a simple boolean that, when set to true, bypasses all security checks and unlocks restricted features. This can be easily exploited if the flag is accidentally or maliciously set in a production environment.

How to fix Hardware Internal or Debug Modes Allow Override of Locks?

To fix this vulnerability, ensure that debug or internal modes do not bypass critical security mechanisms. Instead of using a simple boolean flag, employ environment-specific configurations or secure methods to control debug features. Ensure that any debug functionality is not present in production builds or is controlled via secure authentication and role-based access controls.

Fixed Code Example

// Secure handling of debug mode to prevent bypassing security mechanisms

const DEBUG = process.env.NODE_ENV !== 'production'; // Use environment variable to control debug mode

function initializeSystem() {
    performSecurityChecks(); // Always perform security checks regardless of the mode

    if (DEBUG) {
        console.log("System initialized in debug mode. Certain additional logs may be enabled.");
        // Debug mode is restricted to logging and diagnostic purposes only
    } else {
        console.log("System initialized with security checks.");
    }
}

function unlockAllFeatures() {
    // Function to unlock all features should be restricted and protected
    console.log("Attempt to unlock all features. Access denied."); // Disallow unlocking without proper authorization
}

function performSecurityChecks() {
    // Actual implementation of crucial security checks
    console.log("Performing security checks...");
}

initializeSystem();

Key Changes Made:

1. Environment Control: The DEBUG flag is controlled by the NODE_ENV environment variable, ensuring that debug mode is not active in production environments.
2. Mandatory Security Checks: Security checks are performed regardless of the mode to ensure that no bypass occurs.
3. Restricted Feature Access: Removed the ability to unlock all features in debug mode to prevent unauthorized access. Debug mode is limited to logging and non-critical operations.

Additional Improvements:

• Environment-Specific Configuration: Using process.env.NODE_ENV aligns with common practices for environment configuration, ensuring that debug features are only enabled in non-production environments.
• Security Practices: The fixed example emphasizes that debug mode should not have the capability to disable security mechanisms or unlock restricted features, focusing instead on non-intrusive logging or diagnostics.