CVE-2022-22069 in Snapdragon Auto
Summary
by MITRE • 09/02/2022
Devices with keyprotect off may store unencrypted keybox in RPMB and cause cryptographic issue in Snapdragon Auto, Snapdragon Compute, Snapdragon Connectivity, Snapdragon Industrial IOT, Snapdragon Mobile, Snapdragon Wearables
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/11/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-22069 represents a critical cryptographic weakness in Qualcomm Snapdragon device architectures where the keyprotect feature is disabled. This flaw specifically affects a wide range of Snapdragon product lines including automotive, compute, connectivity, industrial iot, mobile, and wearable devices. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of cryptographic key storage mechanisms when keyprotect functionality is not enabled, creating a pathway for sensitive cryptographic material to be stored in an unencrypted state within the RPMB (Replay Protected Memory Block) partition of affected devices.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the failure to properly encrypt cryptographic keys when the keyprotect off configuration is active. In normal operation, Qualcomm devices utilize the keyprotect feature to ensure that cryptographic keys remain encrypted during storage and processing operations. When this feature is disabled, the system should still maintain appropriate security controls to protect sensitive key material. However, the flaw allows the system to store keybox information in the RPMB partition without proper encryption, effectively creating a cryptographic weakness that can be exploited by adversaries with physical access to the device or those who can manipulate the device's storage components.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends across multiple Snapdragon device categories, each presenting unique security implications. In automotive applications such as Snapdragon Auto, compromised cryptographic keys could potentially enable attackers to manipulate vehicle security systems, access vehicle control functions, or disable anti-theft mechanisms. For mobile devices, this vulnerability may allow attackers to extract encryption keys used for secure communications, data protection, or device authentication, potentially leading to complete device compromise. The connectivity and industrial iot applications face risks where network security protocols could be undermined, while wearable devices may expose personal health data or biometric information through compromised key storage.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-310 (Cryptographic Issues) and represents a failure in cryptographic key management practices, specifically addressing improper key storage and encryption controls. The flaw can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1552.001 (Unsecured Credentials) and potentially T1552.004 (Credentials in Files) when adversaries attempt to extract and utilize the unencrypted cryptographic material. The vulnerability's exploitation requires either physical access to the device or the ability to manipulate the device's storage environment to read the unencrypted keybox data from the RPMB partition.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-22069 should focus on ensuring that keyprotect functionality remains enabled on all affected devices and that proper cryptographic key management protocols are enforced. Device manufacturers should implement mandatory keyprotect activation policies and ensure that cryptographic keys are never stored in unencrypted form within persistent storage. System administrators and device owners should verify that keyprotect is enabled through proper device configuration management and firmware updates. Additionally, implementing secure boot processes and storage encryption controls can help prevent unauthorized access to RPMB partitions. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining proper cryptographic key lifecycle management and the critical need for secure default configurations in embedded and mobile device systems. Organizations should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify devices with keyprotect disabled and ensure that appropriate security controls are implemented to prevent unauthorized access to cryptographic material stored in RPMB partitions.