CVE-2020-27211 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

Nordic Semiconductor nRF52840 devices through 2020-10-19 have improper protection against physical side channels. The flash read-out protection (APPROTECT) can be bypassed by injecting a fault during the boot phase.

Understanding CVE-2020-27211

This CVE involves a vulnerability in Nordic Semiconductor nRF52840 devices that allows bypassing of flash read-out protection by injecting a fault during the boot phase.

What is CVE-2020-27211?

CVE-2020-27211 highlights the lack of proper protection against physical side channels in Nordic Semiconductor nRF52840 devices, enabling attackers to bypass the flash read-out protection (APPROTECT) through fault injection during boot.

The Impact of CVE-2020-27211

The vulnerability poses a significant security risk as it allows unauthorized access to sensitive data stored on affected devices. Attackers could potentially extract confidential information by exploiting this weakness.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-27211

This section delves into the technical aspects of the CVE.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in Nordic Semiconductor nRF52840 devices allows for the bypassing of flash read-out protection (APPROTECT) through fault injection during the boot phase, compromising the security of the device.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Nordic Semiconductor nRF52840
Vendor: Nordic Semiconductor
Versions affected: All versions through 2020-10-19

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by injecting a fault during the boot phase, enabling attackers to circumvent the flash read-out protection and potentially gain unauthorized access to sensitive data.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2020-27211 is crucial to maintaining security.

Immediate Steps to Take

Implement secure boot mechanisms to prevent fault injection attacks during the boot phase.
Regularly monitor and audit device behavior for any signs of unauthorized access.

Long-Term Security Practices

Conduct regular security assessments and penetration testing to identify and address vulnerabilities proactively.
Stay informed about security updates and patches released by Nordic Semiconductor to mitigate known vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Apply firmware updates and patches provided by Nordic Semiconductor to address the vulnerability and enhance the security of the affected devices.