CVE-2022-45163 describes an information-disclosure vulnerability present in select NXP devices when configured in Serial Download Protocol (SDP) mode. The affected devices include models from the i.MX RT and i.MX families, such as i.MX RT 1010, i.MX RT 1015, i.MX RT 1020, i.MX RT 1050, i.MX RT 1060, i.MX 6 Family, i.MX 7Dual/Solo, i.MX 7ULP, i.MX 8M Quad, i.MX 8M Mini, and Vybrid. This vulnerability allows for potential memory leaks to physically proximate attackers during cold and warm boot attacks, when the device is in a security-enabled configuration.
The CVSS score for this vulnerability is 5.3, indicating a medium severity level. It is essential for organizations to recognize the potential risks associated with this vulnerability, especially considering the confidentiality impact is rated as high. Given the nature of the vulnerability, attackers may leverage physical proximity to exploit the flaw.
Organizations should prioritize patching immediately, as the configuration settings allowing SDP mode can lead to significant security threats. The recommended mitigation is to disable the SDP mode by programming a one-time programmable eFUSE. For further assistance, customers can contact NXP directly.
As of now, there are no known public exploits confirmed for this vulnerability, but organizations should remain vigilant. The lack of a known exploitation in the wild does not mitigate the need for immediate action to prevent potential data breaches.
In summary, CVE-2022-45163 presents a significant risk to organizations using affected NXP devices configured in SDP mode. Immediate action is required to mitigate this vulnerability effectively.
Vulnerability Details
The official description of CVE-2022-45163 explains that an information-disclosure vulnerability exists on select NXP devices when configured in Serial Download Protocol (SDP) mode. The vulnerability affects devices including: i.MX RT 1010, i.MX RT 1015, i.MX RT 1020, i.MX RT 1050, i.MX RT 1060, i.MX 6 Family, i.MX 7Dual/Solo, i.MX 7ULP, i.MX 8M Quad, i.MX 8M Mini, and Vybrid. This vulnerability allows for potential memory leakage, which could be exploited by physically proximate attackers.
The CVSS score associated with this vulnerability is 5.3, categorized as medium severity. The attack vector is physical, with low complexity required for exploitation. No privileges are required, and user interaction is not necessary. The confidentiality impact is high, while integrity and availability impacts are none.
The vulnerability has been modified in its status and reflects a CWE classification of CWE-203, which corresponds to information exposure.
Technical Analysis
This vulnerability allows attackers to exploit the SDP mode, leading to information leakage during cold and warm boot attacks. The root cause of this vulnerability stems from the configuration of the affected devices, which allows memory contents to be exposed through the SDP port. The attack vector is physical, meaning attackers must be in close proximity to the device to exploit this vulnerability.
The attack complexity is low, indicating that an attacker with physical access to the device can potentially exploit the vulnerability with minimal effort. No privileges are required, and there is no need for user interaction to execute the attack. The impact on confidentiality is rated as high, while the integrity and availability impacts are rated as none.
Risk & Impact Analysis
Risk to organizations includes potential data theft due to the information-disclosure vulnerability. Attackers may leverage physical proximity to exploit this flaw, leading to unauthorized access to sensitive information stored in memory. The urgency assessment based on the CVSS score indicates that organizations should address this vulnerability in their priority patch cycle.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The affected versions include devices configured with the following firmware: i.mx_6_firmware, i.mx_6dual_firmware, i.mx_6duallite_firmware, i.mx_6dualplus_firmware, i.mx_6quad_firmware, i.mx_6quadplus_firmware, i.mx_6solo_firmware, i.mx_6sololite_firmware, i.mx_6solox_firmware, i.mx_6ull_firmware, i.mx_6ultralite_firmware, i.mx_6ulz_firmware, i.mx_7dual_firmware, i.mx_7solo_firmware, i.mx_7ulp_firmware, i.mx_8m_mini_firmware, i.mx_8m_quad_firmware, i.mx_8m_vybrid_firmware, i.mx_rt1010_firmware, i.mx_rt1015_firmware, i.mx_rt1020_firmware, i.mx_rt1050_firmware, and i.mx_rt1060_firmware. If specific version information is missing, it is recommended that organizations consider all versions prior to vendor patch.
Mitigation & Remediation
To mitigate the effects of CVE-2022-45163, organizations should immediately disable the SDP mode on affected devices by programming a one-time programmable eFUSE. This action will prevent memory leakage and protect sensitive information from potential attackers. For further assistance, organizations can contact NXP directly for additional support and guidance.
Organizations may also consider implementing additional security measures, such as physical security controls to limit access to sensitive devices. Regular monitoring and auditing of device configurations can help ensure that no unauthorized changes have been made.
For comprehensive security, organizations are advised to engage in continuous security testing, which can help identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities proactively.
Detection Guidance
To detect potential exploitation of CVE-2022-45163, organizations should monitor for unusual access attempts to the SDP port. Log analysis and behavioral anomaly detection can help identify unauthorized access attempts. Additionally, network signatures may be established to identify any abnormal traffic patterns associated with the exploitation of this vulnerability.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The long-term significance of CVE-2022-45163 lies in its representation of vulnerabilities that emerge from physical access requirements. This case highlights the need for robust security measures surrounding devices that are accessible to potential attackers. Security teams must recognize the importance of evaluating device configurations and ensuring that unnecessary protocols like SDP are disabled.
As organizations adapt to a changing threat landscape, lessons learned from vulnerabilities such as this highlight the necessity for continuous security assessments. Regular reviews and updates to security protocols can mitigate the risks associated with information disclosure vulnerabilities.
Strategically, organizations should integrate vulnerability management into their overall security posture. Engaging in regular vulnerability management can help identify and remediate vulnerabilities before they can be exploited.
In conclusion, organizations must stay proactive in addressing vulnerabilities like CVE-2022-45163 to protect their assets and sensitive information.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.

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