CVE-2021-40327 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

Trusted Firmware-M (TF-M) 1.4.0, when Profile Small is used, has incorrect access control allowing NSPE to access a secure key based solely on knowledge of its key ID.

Understanding CVE-2021-40327

This CVE involves a vulnerability in Trusted Firmware-M (TF-M) 1.4.0 when using Profile Small, leading to incorrect access control.

What is CVE-2021-40327?

Trusted Firmware-M (TF-M) 1.4.0, when configured with Profile Small, lacks appropriate access controls, allowing NSPE to access secure keys based solely on key IDs without proper authorization checks.

The Impact of CVE-2021-40327

The vulnerability enables unauthorized access to secure keys, potentially compromising cryptographic operations and the confidentiality of sensitive information.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-40327

This section covers specific technical aspects of the CVE.

Vulnerability Description

When Trusted Firmware-M (TF-M) 1.4.0 is set to Profile Small, the incorrect access control mechanism allows NSPE to access secure keys based only on the key ID, without proper authorization validations.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Not applicable
Vendor: Not applicable
Version: 1.4.0

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability could be exploited by malicious actors with knowledge of key IDs to illicitly access secure keys without proper authorization, potentially leading to data breaches.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2021-40327 is crucial to maintain security.

Immediate Steps to Take

Implement patches or updates provided by the Trusted Firmware-M (TF-M) project.
Review and adjust access controls to prevent unauthorized key access.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor and audit cryptographic key access to detect anomalies.
Train personnel on secure coding practices and maintaining access controls.

Patching and Updates

Stay updated with security advisories from Trusted Firmware-M (TF-M) to apply patches promptly and address known vulnerabilities.