Missing Ability to Patch ROM Code
Missing Ability to Patch ROM Code
CWE-1310
Per technology (GHSA, All time)
- 100%-Maven
Short description
Extended description
A System or System-on-Chip (SoC) that implements a boot process utilizing security mechanisms such as Root-of-Trust (RoT) typically starts by executing code from a Read-only-Memory (ROM) component. The code in ROM is immutable, hence any security vulnerabilities discovered in the ROM code can never be fixed for the systems that are already in use.
A common weakness is that the ROM does not have the ability to patch if security vulnerabilities are uncovered after the system gets shipped. This leaves the system in a vulnerable state where an adversary can compromise the SoC.
Best practices to prevent this CWE
Phase: Architecture and Design; Implementation
Secure patch support to allow ROM code to be patched on the next boot.
Effectiveness: Moderate
Phase: Architecture and Design; Implementation
Support patches that can be programmed in-field or during manufacturing through hardware fuses. This feature can be used for limited patching of devices after shipping, or for the next batch of silicon devices manufactured, without changing the full device ROM.
