CWE-1193: Power-On of Untrusted Execution Core Before Enabling Fabric Access Control
The product enables components that contain untrusted firmware before memory and fabric access controls have been enabled.
How it's found
Power-On of Untrusted Execution Core Before Enabling Fabric Access Control is typically found by tracing untrusted input from where it enters the system to the point where it is used without the check or neutralization this weakness describes, combining manual code review with dynamic testing.
After initial reset, System-on-Chip (SoC) fabric access controls and other security features need to be programmed by trusted firmware as part of the boot sequence. If untrusted IPs or peripheral microcontrollers are enabled first, then the untrusted component can master transactions on the hardware bus and target memory or other assets to compromise the SoC boot firmware.
Consequences
- Bypass Protection Mechanism: An untrusted component can master transactions on the HW bus and target memory or other assets to compromise the SoC boot firmware.
Mitigations
- Architecture and Design: The boot sequence should enable fabric access controls and memory protections before enabling third-party hardware IPs and peripheral microcontrollers that use untrusted firmware.
Where this fits in a TurboPentest engagement
This weakness is not covered by the automated black-box pentest. IntegSec pentesters cover it in a manual engagement.
Frequently asked questions
What is CWE-1193?
The product enables components that contain untrusted firmware before memory and fabric access controls have been enabled.
How do you find Power-On of Untrusted Execution Core Before Enabling Fabric Access Control?
Power-On of Untrusted Execution Core Before Enabling Fabric Access Control is typically found by tracing untrusted input from where it enters the system to the point where it is used without the check or neutralization this weakness describes, combining manual code review with dynamic testing.
What is the impact of CWE-1193?
Bypass Protection Mechanism: An untrusted component can master transactions on the HW bus and target memory or other assets to compromise the SoC boot firmware.
Does TurboPentest test for Power-On of Untrusted Execution Core Before Enabling Fabric Access Control?
This weakness is not covered by the automated black-box pentest. IntegSec pentesters cover it in a manual engagement.
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Written and reviewed by
Michel Chamberland - Founder & CEO, IntegSec
CISSP, OSCP, OSCE, CEH, GIAC, CCSK · 20+ years in offensive security
Michel has spent 20+ years on offensive security teams including IBM X-Force Red and Trustwave SpiderLabs, leading penetration tests, red team engagements, and breach response for Fortune 500 customers. He is the founder of IntegSec and the architect of TurboPentest.
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