CVE-2023-5138 : Security Advisory and Response

This is a detailed analysis of CVE-2023-5138, which outlines the impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies related to this vulnerability.

Understanding CVE-2023-5138

CVE-2023-5138 refers to a vulnerability where glitch detection is not enabled by default for the CortexM33 core in Silicon Labs secure vault high parts EFx32xG2xB, except EFR32xG21B.

What is CVE-2023-5138?

The vulnerability highlights that glitch detection is not active by default for certain device models, leaving them exposed to potential security risks associated with fault injection (CAPEC-624).

The Impact of CVE-2023-5138

The vulnerability carries a CVSS v3.1 base score of 6.8, categorizing it as a medium severity issue. It has a high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected systems, with low attack complexity and a physical attack vector.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-5138

The vulnerability is classified under CWE-909 (Missing Initialization of Resource) and poses a risk of unauthorized access and manipulation of critical data due to the absence of glitch detection.

Vulnerability Description

The glitch detection not being enabled by default in specific Silicon Labs secure vault high devices makes them vulnerable to fault injection attacks, potentially compromising the security of the systems.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability affects Silicon Labs secure vault high parts EFx32xG2xB with versions below 4.4.0, excluding EFR32xG21B.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by injecting faults during the operation of the affected devices, leading to potential security breaches and unauthorized access to sensitive information.

Mitigation and Prevention

It is crucial to take immediate action to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2023-5138 and implement long-term security practices to prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future.

Immediate Steps to Take

Ensure glitch detection is enabled for the CortexM33 core in the affected devices.
Monitor for any suspicious activity or attempts of fault injection on the systems.
Apply security patches and updates provided by Silicon Labs to address this vulnerability.

Long-Term Security Practices

Conduct regular security assessments and audits to identify and address any potential vulnerabilities proactively.
Educate users and administrators on best security practices to prevent unauthorized access and data breaches.
Implement strong access controls and encryption mechanisms to protect sensitive data from exploitation.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates and patches released by Silicon Labs for the affected devices. Timely application of patches is essential to remediate the vulnerability and enhance the overall security posture of the systems.