CWE-1334: Unauthorized Error Injection Can Degrade Hardware Redundancy
An unauthorized agent can inject errors into a redundant block to deprive the system of redundancy or put the system in a degraded operating mode.
How it's found
Unauthorized Error Injection Can Degrade Hardware Redundancy 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.
To ensure the performance and functional reliability of certain components, hardware designers can implement hardware blocks for redundancy in the case that others fail. This redundant block can be prevented from performing as intended if the design allows unauthorized agents to inject errors into it. In this way, a path with injected errors may become unavailable to serve as a redundant channel. This may put the system into a degraded mode of operation which could be exploited by a subsequent attack.
Consequences
- DoS: Crash, Exit, or Restart, DoS: Instability, Quality Degradation, DoS: Resource Consumption (CPU), DoS: Resource Consumption (Memory), DoS: Resource Consumption (Other), Reduce Performance, Reduce Reliability, Unexpected State
Mitigations
- Architecture and Design: Ensure the design does not allow error injection in modes intended for normal run-time operation. Provide access controls on interfaces for injecting errors.
- Implementation: Disallow error injection in modes which are expected to be used for normal run-time operation. Provide access controls on interfaces for injecting errors.
- Integration: Add an access control layer atop any unprotected interfaces for injecting errors.
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-1334?
An unauthorized agent can inject errors into a redundant block to deprive the system of redundancy or put the system in a degraded operating mode.
How do you find Unauthorized Error Injection Can Degrade Hardware Redundancy?
Unauthorized Error Injection Can Degrade Hardware Redundancy 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-1334?
DoS: Crash, Exit, or Restart, DoS: Instability, Quality Degradation, DoS: Resource Consumption (CPU), DoS: Resource Consumption (Memory), DoS: Resource Consumption (Other), Reduce Performance, Reduce Reliability, Unexpected State
Does TurboPentest test for Unauthorized Error Injection Can Degrade Hardware Redundancy?
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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