CVE-2026-21383 in Snapdragon
Summary
by MITRE • 07/06/2026
Cryptographic Issue when using a static initialization vector for AES-GCM key wrapping, which requires a unique value for each call to ensure security.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/06/2026
This cryptographic vulnerability stems from improper implementation of the Advanced Encryption Standard with Galois/Counter Mode key wrapping mechanism where a static initialization vector is used instead of unique values for each encryption operation. The flaw represents a critical weakness in the cryptographic protocol stack that directly violates fundamental security principles governing authenticated encryption modes. When the same initialization vector is reused across multiple encryption operations, it creates deterministic patterns that can be exploited by attackers to compromise the confidentiality and integrity of encrypted data. This specific implementation error falls under the category of improper use of cryptographic primitives as classified by CWE-327, which addresses the use of weak or improperly implemented cryptographic algorithms.
The technical implications of this vulnerability are severe as AES-GCM key wrapping requires unique initialization vectors for each operation to maintain security guarantees. When static vectors are employed, attackers can perform cryptanalytic attacks such as replay attacks, pattern analysis, and key recovery attempts that would otherwise be computationally infeasible with proper randomization. The reuse of initialization vectors fundamentally undermines the security model of authenticated encryption, creating opportunities for adversaries to manipulate encrypted data or extract sensitive information from the cryptographic system. This weakness directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1583.002 which covers the use of weak or predictable cryptographic keys and initialization vectors in security systems.
The operational impact extends beyond immediate data compromise to encompass broader system vulnerabilities that can be leveraged for advanced persistent threats. Systems utilizing this flawed implementation face increased risk of key exposure, unauthorized data access, and potential complete system compromise. Organizations deploying such cryptographic implementations may experience regulatory compliance issues under standards like NIST SP 800-38D which specifically requires unique initialization vectors for GCM operations to maintain security properties. The vulnerability creates a persistent threat vector that remains active as long as the static initialization vector is used, making it particularly dangerous in environments where encryption keys are frequently reused or where long-running systems maintain consistent cryptographic operations.
Mitigation strategies must address both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements to prevent recurrence of this flaw. Organizations should implement proper randomization mechanisms for initialization vectors, ensuring that each encryption operation utilizes unique values generated from cryptographically secure random number generators. The solution requires comprehensive code review and testing procedures that validate cryptographic implementation correctness, including static analysis tools and runtime monitoring for improper cryptographic usage patterns. Regular security assessments should verify that all cryptographic operations comply with established standards such as FIPS 140-2 and NIST guidelines for authenticated encryption modes. Additionally, system administrators must establish monitoring protocols to detect and alert on potential cryptographic misuse patterns that could indicate similar implementation flaws in other cryptographic components of the infrastructure.
This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper cryptographic implementation practices and highlights how seemingly minor deviations from established security standards can create significant systemic risks. The static initialization vector issue represents a textbook example of how cryptographic protocol requirements must be rigorously enforced rather than assumed, as even small implementation errors can completely undermine the security assurances provided by sophisticated encryption algorithms.