CVE-2004-0320 in Nshield
Summary
by MITRE
Unknown vulnerability in nCipher Hardware Security Modules (HSM) 1.67.x through 1.99.x allows local users to access secrets stored in the module s run-time memory via certain sequences of commands.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/22/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-0320 represents a critical security flaw within nCipher Hardware Security Modules version 1.67.x through 1.99.x that exposes sensitive cryptographic material stored in the device's runtime memory. This issue affects hardware security modules that are widely deployed in enterprise environments for securing cryptographic keys and sensitive data. The vulnerability specifically manifests when certain command sequences are executed against the HSM, enabling local attackers with access to the module to extract secrets that should remain protected within the device's secure memory boundaries.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability stems from improper memory management and access control mechanisms within the HSM firmware implementation. When legitimate command sequences are processed by the module, the system fails to properly isolate or protect sensitive data structures containing cryptographic keys, certificates, or other confidential information. This memory exposure occurs during the execution of specific operational commands, suggesting that the vulnerability is not a general memory leak but rather a targeted flaw in how the module handles certain sequences of operations. The flaw essentially creates a pathway for unauthorized memory access that bypasses the intended security boundaries of the hardware security module.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to organizations relying on nCipher HSMs for cryptographic operations and key management. Local attackers who can execute commands against the HSM can extract sensitive cryptographic material that may have been used to protect critical data, communications, or authentication systems. The implications extend beyond immediate data compromise to include potential long-term security degradation, as stolen keys could be used to decrypt previously protected information or impersonate legitimate systems. This vulnerability particularly impacts environments where HSMs are used to secure financial transactions, government communications, or enterprise data protection systems where the compromise of cryptographic keys could result in substantial financial and operational losses.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-200 (Information Exposure) and potentially CWE-310 (Cryptographic Issues) within the Common Weakness Enumeration framework, representing a failure to properly protect sensitive information in memory. From an attack framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to ATT&CK technique T1552.001 (Unsecured Credentials) and T1005 (Data from Local System), demonstrating how local access can be leveraged to extract sensitive information. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including firmware updates from nCipher, restriction of local command execution privileges, and enhanced monitoring of command sequences executed against HSMs. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive assessments of their cryptographic key management practices and implement additional access controls to limit local administrative access to these critical security devices. The vulnerability underscores the importance of proper memory protection mechanisms in hardware security modules and the necessity of thorough security testing of command processing within cryptographic devices.