CVE-2023-41096 in Ember ZNet SDK
Summary
by MITRE • 10/26/2023
Missing Encryption of Security Keys vulnerability in Silicon Labs Ember ZNet SDK on 32 bit, ARM (SecureVault High modules) allows potential modification or extraction of network credentials stored in flash. This issue affects Silicon Labs Ember ZNet SDK: 7.3.1 and earlier.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/25/2024
The CVE-2023-41096 vulnerability represents a critical weakness in the Silicon Labs Ember ZNet SDK affecting version 7.3.1 and earlier implementations on 32-bit ARM processors with SecureVault High modules. This security flaw manifests as a missing encryption of security keys, creating a significant risk to wireless network infrastructure that relies on the affected SDK for Zigbee-based communication protocols. The vulnerability specifically targets the storage of network credentials within flash memory, which serves as the persistent storage mechanism for critical cryptographic materials required for secure device authentication and network operation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate cryptographic protection mechanisms within the SDK's credential management system. When security keys are stored in flash memory without proper encryption, they become accessible to attackers who can potentially extract or modify these credentials through various means including direct memory access, firmware analysis, or exploitation of other vulnerabilities in the system. The SecureVault High modules, designed to provide enhanced security features, fail to adequately protect the stored credentials, creating a false sense of security while leaving the network infrastructure exposed to unauthorized access. This issue falls under the CWE-310 category of Cryptographic Issues, specifically addressing the absence of proper encryption for sensitive data.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential exposure, potentially enabling attackers to gain complete control over affected Zigbee networks. Network credentials stored in unencrypted flash memory can be used to impersonate legitimate devices, disrupt network communications, or establish unauthorized access points within the network. The vulnerability affects a wide range of devices that utilize the Ember ZNet SDK, including smart home systems, industrial automation equipment, and IoT deployments where security is paramount. Attackers can exploit this weakness to perform man-in-the-middle attacks, modify network configurations, or even take complete control of the wireless mesh network, compromising the integrity and confidentiality of all communications within the affected ecosystem.
Organizations utilizing affected Silicon Labs Ember ZNet SDK implementations should immediately implement comprehensive mitigation strategies to address this vulnerability. The primary recommendation involves upgrading to the latest SDK version that includes proper encryption mechanisms for security keys stored in flash memory, which directly addresses the root cause of the vulnerability. Additionally, network administrators should consider implementing additional security layers such as network segmentation, intrusion detection systems, and regular security audits to monitor for potential exploitation attempts. The mitigation approach should align with ATT&CK framework tactic TA0006 (Credential Access) and technique T1552 (Unsecured Credentials) to ensure comprehensive protection against potential adversaries who may attempt to leverage this vulnerability for unauthorized access to network resources. Organizations should also conduct thorough inventory assessments to identify all affected devices and implement proper key rotation procedures to minimize the impact of any potential credential compromise.