CVE-2023-35818 is a medium-severity vulnerability found in Espressif ESP32 firmware versions 3.0 and 3.1. This vulnerability allows attackers to perform an EMFI attack on ECO3, enabling them to influence the PC value at the CPU context level, irrespective of Secure Boot and Flash Encryption status. This capability can be exploited to gain unauthorized access to the ROM download mode.
The implications of this vulnerability are significant as unauthorized access to ROM download mode can lead to the retrieval of encrypted flash content in cleartext format or the execution of stub code. The CVSS score for this vulnerability is 6.8, categorizing it as medium severity, which highlights the potential risk to organizations.
Risk to organizations includes potential exposure of sensitive data and unauthorized modification of firmware. Given the nature of the vulnerability, organizations should prioritize patching immediately to safeguard their systems.
As of now, there are no known exploits available in the wild, but the potential for exploitation exists, requiring vigilance from security teams.
Vulnerability Details
The vulnerability, identified as CVE-2023-35818, was published on July 17, 2023. The affected systems include various Espressif ESP32 firmware versions, specifically 3.0 and 3.1. The primary description states that an EMFI attack on ECO3 allows attackers to influence CPU context-level operations, leading to unauthorized access to ROM download mode.
The CVSS 3.1 score is 6.8, indicating a medium severity level. The attack vector is classified as physical, with low complexity and no privileges or user interaction required. The confidentiality, integrity, and availability impacts are all rated as high.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of CVE-2023-35818 stems from the vulnerability of the Espressif ESP32 devices to EMFI attacks, which manipulate the CPU's program counter. This attack vector is classified as physical, requiring direct access to the device. The attack complexity is low, and no privileges or user interaction are necessary for exploitation.
Once the attacker influences the CPU context, they can access the ROM download mode, leading to potential breaches of confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the device’s firmware and stored data.
Risk & Impact Analysis
The real-world risk associated with CVE-2023-35818 is substantial. Given the high impacts on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, organizations utilizing affected Espressif devices face significant exposure if this vulnerability is exploited. The potential for unauthorized access to sensitive information, coupled with a lack of public exploits at present, does not mitigate the urgency for remediation.
Organizations should address this vulnerability in their priority patch cycle to prevent possible exploitation. The medium CVSS score indicates a serious concern that should not be overlooked.
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The vulnerability affects multiple firmware versions of Espressif ESP32 products, specifically version 3.0 and 3.1. All versions prior to vendor patch should be considered vulnerable.
Mitigation & Remediation
To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2023-35818, it is essential for organizations to apply the available patches provided by Espressif for firmware versions 3.0 and 3.1. If patches are not immediately available, organizations should consider implementing additional security measures such as physical security controls to restrict access to the devices.
For a comprehensive security evaluation, organizations may consider utilizing penetration testing services to identify and remediate any other potential vulnerabilities.
Detection Guidance
Organizations should monitor for any unauthorized access attempts to Espressif devices. Log indicators should include access patterns to ROM download mode and any anomalous behaviors that deviate from normal operational activities.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
CVE-2023-35818 highlights the critical importance of physical security in the deployment of IoT devices. This vulnerability underscores the necessity for organizations to not only apply software updates but also enforce strict physical security measures that prevent unauthorized access to hardware.
Security teams should assess how such vulnerabilities can lead to larger attack surfaces and develop a strategic defensive approach that includes continuous monitoring and regular security assessments. For more insights on securing your infrastructure, consider reviewing our penetration testing methodology and explore our vulnerability management program design for proactive security measures.
Furthermore, our insights on cloud penetration testing can help you navigate the complexities of securing cloud environments as well.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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