CVE-2022-24402 in TEA1 (Tetraburst)
Summary
by MITRE • 10/25/2023
The TETRA TEA1 keystream generator implements a key register initialization function that compresses the 80-bit key to only 32 bits for usage during the keystream generation phase, which is insufficient to safeguard against exhaustive search attacks.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/11/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-24402 resides within the TETRA TEA1 keystream generator implementation, representing a critical cryptographic weakness that fundamentally undermines the security assurances provided by the encryption system. This flaw manifests in the key register initialization function where the 80-bit key is compressed down to only 32 bits for subsequent keystream generation operations. The compression process creates a severe reduction in entropy that dramatically weakens the cryptographic strength of the entire system. From a cryptographic perspective, this represents a catastrophic design flaw that transforms what should be a robust 80-bit encryption scheme into a vulnerable 32-bit system, making it exponentially more susceptible to brute force attacks and cryptanalytic techniques.
The technical implementation flaw stems from the improper handling of key material during the initialization phase of the TETRA TEA1 algorithm. The compression from 80 bits to 32 bits reduces the key space from 2^80 possible combinations to merely 2^32 possibilities, which represents a reduction of over 10^23 times the original security strength. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-326 - Inadequate Encryption Strength, as the system fails to provide adequate cryptographic protection through insufficient key length. The reduced key space makes the system vulnerable to exhaustive key search attacks, where an attacker can systematically test all possible 32-bit combinations within reasonable computational timeframes, typically measured in hours or days rather than the decades or centuries that would be expected from proper cryptographic implementations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple cryptographic weakness, as it fundamentally compromises the confidentiality and integrity of all data protected by the TETRA TEA1 keystream generator. Systems relying on this implementation become vulnerable to passive eavesdropping and active attacks where adversaries can recover plaintext information by performing key recovery attacks. The vulnerability affects any communication systems, data storage solutions, or cryptographic protocols that utilize this specific keystream generator, potentially exposing sensitive information to unauthorized parties. From an attacker's perspective, this weakness aligns with ATT&CK technique T1583.001 - Create or Modify System Process, as it enables adversaries to exploit the cryptographic implementation to gain unauthorized access to protected information. The reduced security strength also impacts the overall security posture of systems, as it creates a single point of failure that can compromise entire networks or data ecosystems relying on this encryption mechanism.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-24402 require immediate attention and comprehensive system review to address the fundamental cryptographic weakness. Organizations should implement immediate replacement or upgrade of any systems using the affected TETRA TEA1 keystream generator with properly implemented cryptographic algorithms that maintain the full 80-bit key strength. The recommended approach involves transitioning to established cryptographic standards such as AES-256 or other industry-recognized encryption algorithms that provide adequate key lengths and resistance to exhaustive search attacks. Additionally, systems should undergo thorough cryptographic audit processes to identify any other potential implementations of similar weaknesses. The mitigation efforts must also include proper key management practices and regular security assessments to ensure that cryptographic implementations maintain adequate entropy and resistance to known attack vectors. Security teams should implement monitoring protocols to detect any exploitation attempts and establish incident response procedures specifically addressing cryptographic vulnerabilities to minimize potential impact from successful attacks.