CVE-2021-29415 : What You Need to Know

A vulnerability has been identified in the ARM TrustZone CryptoCell 310 contained in the NordicSemiconductor nRF52840 through 2021-03-29, allowing adversaries to recover private ECC keys.

Understanding CVE-2021-29415

This CVE involves a non-constant time ECDSA implementation within the ECC hardware accelerator, posing a significant security risk.

What is CVE-2021-29415?

The elliptic curve cryptography (ECC) hardware accelerator, part of the ARM TrustZone CryptoCell 310 in NordicSemiconductor nRF52840, suffers from a non-constant time ECDSA implementation, enabling attackers to retrieve private ECC keys during ECDSA operations.

The Impact of CVE-2021-29415

The vulnerability can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive cryptographic keys, compromising the confidentiality and integrity of communications and data protected by ECC.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-29415

The technical details of this CVE include:

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from a non-constant time ECDSA implementation within the ECC hardware accelerator.

Affected Systems and Versions

The issue affects the ARM TrustZone CryptoCell 310 in NordicSemiconductor nRF52840 devices through 2021-03-29.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit the vulnerability to recover private ECC keys utilized in ECDSA operations, potentially leading to unauthorized access to critical information.

Mitigation and Prevention

To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2021-29415, consider the following:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update to the latest firmware or software patch provided by the vendor.
Monitor systems for any signs of unauthorized access or data compromise.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and apply patches to ensure system security.
Implement strong cryptographic key management practices.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates from both ARM and NordicSemiconductor to address this vulnerability and strengthen system defenses.