CVE-2019-18673 in BitBox02
Summary
by MITRE
On SHIFT BitBox02 devices, a side channel for the row-based OLED display was found. The power consumption of each row-based display cycle depends on the number of illuminated pixels, allowing a partial recovery of display contents. For example, a hardware implant in the USB cable might be able to leverage this behavior to recover confidential secrets such as the PIN and BIP39 mnemonic. Note: BIP39 secrets are not displayed by default on this device. The side channel is relevant only if the attacker has enough control over the device's USB connection to make power-consumption measurements at a time when secret data is displayed. The side channel is not relevant in other circumstances, such as a stolen device that is not currently displaying secret data.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/01/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-18673 represents a significant side channel attack vector targeting the SHIFT BitBox02 hardware wallet device. This security flaw exploits the inherent physical characteristics of the device's display system, specifically the row-based organic light-emitting diode (OLED) interface that is used to present critical information to users. The vulnerability stems from the fundamental design of how OLED displays operate, where each row of pixels consumes power proportional to the number of illuminated pixels within that row. This power consumption variation creates a measurable electromagnetic signature that can be analyzed to infer display contents.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an attacker to have physical access to the device's USB connection and the ability to perform precise power consumption measurements during the display of sensitive information. The attack vector specifically targets the timing and conditions under which secret data appears on the display, particularly when PIN codes and BIP39 mnemonic phrases are shown. According to industry standards such as CWE-310, this represents a weakness in cryptographic key handling and information disclosure through side channels, where the attacker leverages environmental characteristics to extract confidential data. The attack aligns with techniques documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1059.001 technique for execution through physical access and T1552.001 for credentials from password storage modules.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is substantial for users who may be subject to sophisticated physical attacks involving hardware implants in USB cables or other connection points. The device's default security configuration protects against display of BIP39 secrets, but the side channel remains a risk when attackers can manipulate the timing of power measurements during secret display operations. This vulnerability is particularly concerning because it demonstrates how seemingly benign hardware characteristics can become security liabilities when combined with precise measurement capabilities. The attack requires specific conditions including the attacker's control over the USB connection and the ability to perform real-time power analysis, making it less likely to occur in casual theft scenarios but more plausible in targeted physical attacks. The implications extend beyond simple information disclosure to potentially compromise the entire security model of the hardware wallet, as the device's primary defense mechanism relies on the assumption that secret data cannot be recovered through physical means. Organizations and individuals using such devices must consider the broader threat landscape that includes sophisticated physical attacks, and the vulnerability highlights the importance of considering side channel attacks during the design and implementation phases of security-critical hardware. The attack scenario requires careful timing and specialized equipment, but the potential for recovery of PIN codes and mnemonic phrases represents a serious threat to the device's security guarantees. This vulnerability serves as a reminder that even devices designed with security as a primary concern can contain unexpected attack surfaces that require comprehensive threat modeling and security analysis.