CVE-2022-2483 in ASIK AirScale System Module
Summary
by MITRE • 01/07/2023
The bootloader in the Nokia ASIK AirScale system module (versions 474021A.101 and 474021A.102) loads public keys for firmware verification signature. If an attacker modifies the flash contents to corrupt the keys, secure boot could be permanently disabled on a given device.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/29/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-2483 resides within the bootloader implementation of Nokia ASIK AirScale system modules, specifically affecting firmware versions 474021A.101 and 474021A.102. This represents a critical security flaw in the device's boot process that fundamentally undermines the system's integrity verification mechanisms. The vulnerability stems from the bootloader's handling of public keys used for firmware signature verification, creating a pathway for persistent security compromise that extends beyond traditional runtime exploits.
The technical flaw manifests when an attacker manipulates the flash memory contents to corrupt the public keys stored within the bootloader. This corruption directly impacts the secure boot functionality by rendering the key verification process ineffective, thereby allowing unauthorized firmware modifications to proceed without detection or prevention. The vulnerability operates at the lowest level of system operation, making it particularly dangerous as it can bypass all higher-level security controls and verification mechanisms that typically protect against malicious code execution. This represents a classic example of a bootkit attack vector where the root of trust is compromised at the firmware level, as classified under CWE-284 for improper access control and CWE-310 for cryptographic issues.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple privilege escalation, as it creates a permanent state of weakened security where the device becomes permanently susceptible to unauthorized firmware modifications. Once the keys are corrupted, the device cannot distinguish between legitimate and malicious firmware updates, effectively disabling the entire secure boot chain. This vulnerability can be exploited by adversaries with physical access to the device or those capable of injecting malicious code into the flash memory, potentially leading to complete system compromise and persistent backdoor access. The implications are particularly severe in telecommunications infrastructure where these modules are deployed, as they could enable widespread surveillance or service disruption across critical network components.
Mitigation strategies must address both the immediate vulnerability and the broader security posture of the affected systems. Organizations should implement immediate firmware updates from Nokia if available, though the permanent nature of the vulnerability suggests that physical device replacement may be necessary in many cases. The security community should consider implementing memory protection mechanisms and monitoring for unauthorized flash modifications, while also establishing robust key management practices that include redundant key storage and integrity verification. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation and T1542 for exploitation for persistence, highlighting the need for comprehensive security controls that protect the boot process and maintain the integrity of the root of trust. The incident underscores the critical importance of secure boot implementations and proper key lifecycle management in embedded systems, particularly those deployed in critical infrastructure environments where the consequences of compromise can be severe.