CVE-2019-17391 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

A vulnerability has been found in the Espressif ESP32 mask ROM code versions from 2016-06-08 0 to 2, allowing an attacker with physical access to extract sensitive data stored in read-protected eFuses.

Understanding CVE-2019-17391

This CVE identifies a security issue in the ESP32 chip's initial bootloader that lacks sufficient measures to prevent glitches, enabling unauthorized access to sensitive information.

What is CVE-2019-17391?

The vulnerability in the ESP32 chip's mask ROM code allows attackers to extract flash encryption and secure boot keys by injecting a glitch into the chip's power supply after reset.

The Impact of CVE-2019-17391

The exploitation of this vulnerability could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data stored in read-protected eFuses, compromising the security of the device and potentially exposing critical information.

Technical Details of CVE-2019-17391

This section provides detailed technical information about the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The lack of anti-glitch mitigations in the ESP32 chip's first-stage bootloader permits attackers with physical access to read the contents of read-protected eFuses, including flash encryption and secure boot keys.

Affected Systems and Versions

Espressif ESP32 mask ROM code versions from 2016-06-08 0 to 2

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers inject a glitch into the power supply of the chip shortly after reset to extract sensitive data.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2019-17391 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Implement physical security measures to prevent unauthorized access to devices.
Regularly monitor and inspect devices for signs of tampering.

Long-Term Security Practices

Encrypt sensitive data stored in eFuses to prevent unauthorized access.
Conduct regular security audits and assessments to identify and address vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Apply patches and updates provided by Espressif to address the vulnerability and enhance device security.