CVE-2020-12061 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

An issue was discovered in Nitrokey FIDO U2F firmware through 1.1, allowing adversaries to eavesdrop on communication and manipulate the microcontroller's firmware.

Understanding CVE-2020-12061

This CVE identifies a vulnerability in Nitrokey FIDO U2F firmware that exposes credentials during communication, enabling unauthorized access to stored secrets.

What is CVE-2020-12061?

The vulnerability in Nitrokey FIDO U2F firmware through version 1.1 allows attackers to intercept communication between the microcontroller and the secure element, leading to potential manipulation of the microcontroller's firmware.

The Impact of CVE-2020-12061

The security flaw permits adversaries to eavesdrop on the communication channel and extract sensitive information, compromising the integrity and confidentiality of the system.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-12061

This section delves into the specific technical aspects of the CVE.

Vulnerability Description

The flaw in Nitrokey FIDO U2F firmware exposes credentials in plaintext during communication, facilitating unauthorized access and manipulation of stored secrets.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Nitrokey FIDO U2F firmware
Vendor: Nitrokey
Versions affected: All versions up to and including 1.1

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability allows attackers to intercept communication between the microcontroller and the secure element, enabling them to derive stored secrets and manipulate the microcontroller's firmware.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2020-12061 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Nitrokey FIDO U2F firmware to the latest secure version.
Monitor system logs for any suspicious activities indicating unauthorized access.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement end-to-end encryption to secure communication channels.
Conduct regular security audits and penetration testing to identify and address vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Regularly check for firmware updates and security patches from Nitrokey.
Apply patches promptly to mitigate the risk of exploitation and enhance system security.