CVE-2022-0553 in Zephyr
Summary
by MITRE • 01/11/2023
There is no check to see if slot 0 is being uploaded from the device to the host. When using encrypted images this means the unencrypted firmware can be retrieved easily.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/29/2026
This vulnerability exists in firmware update mechanisms where proper access controls and validation checks are absent during the image transfer process. The flaw specifically manifests when slot 0 is being uploaded from a device to a host system without any verification or authorization checks. This represents a critical security weakness that directly violates fundamental principles of secure firmware management and data protection. The vulnerability enables unauthorized data extraction through a simple upload operation that should be restricted or validated.
The technical implementation of this flaw stems from inadequate input validation and access control mechanisms within the firmware update protocol. When encrypted firmware images are processed, the system fails to enforce proper authentication or authorization checks before allowing slot 0 data to be transmitted to the host. This creates an exploitable condition where any device with access to the update interface can initiate a data transfer without proper verification. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the firmware level, where privileged operations are typically expected to be tightly controlled. This weakness can be categorized under CWE-284 Access Control Issues, specifically related to improper access control during firmware operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data leakage to encompass potential system compromise and intellectual property theft. When unencrypted firmware can be easily retrieved through the upload process, attackers gain access to sensitive system information including configuration parameters, cryptographic keys, and potentially vulnerable code sections. This information can be used to develop targeted attacks against the device or the broader network infrastructure. The vulnerability directly enables techniques described in the ATT&CK framework under T1547.001 Account Manipulation and T1005 Data from Local System, allowing adversaries to extract sensitive firmware data without requiring additional exploitation steps. The exposure of unencrypted firmware components can significantly reduce the security posture of the affected devices and may enable more sophisticated attacks such as firmware modification or side-channel analysis.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing comprehensive access control mechanisms that validate all firmware update operations before allowing data transfer. The system should enforce authentication checks and authorization validation before permitting slot 0 uploads to the host. Implementing proper cryptographic controls including digital signatures and secure boot processes can help prevent unauthorized firmware access. Organizations should also establish monitoring mechanisms to detect unauthorized firmware transfer attempts and implement network segmentation to limit access to firmware update interfaces. Regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar access control weaknesses in firmware update mechanisms. The remediation approach should align with industry best practices for secure firmware development and management, ensuring that all firmware operations are properly authenticated and authorized before execution.