CVE-2022-38692

9.8 CRITICAL

📋 TL;DR

This BootROM vulnerability allows attackers to trigger a memory buffer overflow during RSA key validation without requiring elevated privileges. It affects devices with Unisoc chipsets during the secure boot process. Exploitation could compromise device integrity before the operating system loads.

💻 Affected Systems

Products:
  • Devices with Unisoc (Spreadtrum) chipsets
Versions: All versions with vulnerable BootROM implementation
Operating Systems: Android and other OS running on affected chipsets
Default Config Vulnerable: ⚠️ Yes
Notes: Vulnerability exists in hardware BootROM, affecting devices during boot process before OS loads. Affects multiple device manufacturers using Unisoc chips.

⚠️ Manual Verification Required

This CVE does not have specific version information in our database, so automatic vulnerability detection cannot determine if your system is affected.

Why? The CVE database entry doesn't specify which versions are vulnerable (no version ranges provided by the vendor/NVD).

🔒 Custom verification scripts are available for registered users. Sign up free to download automated test scripts.

Recommended Actions:
  1. Review the CVE details at NVD
  2. Check vendor security advisories for your specific version
  3. Test if the vulnerability is exploitable in your environment
  4. Consider updating to the latest version as a precaution

⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact

🔴

Worst Case

Complete device compromise allowing persistent malware installation, bypassing secure boot protections, and gaining full control over the device.

🟠

Likely Case

Boot process manipulation leading to unauthorized code execution, potential for persistent backdoors, and device compromise.

🟢

If Mitigated

Limited impact if devices are physically secured and not exposed to malicious actors with physical access or specialized capabilities.

🌐 Internet-Facing: LOW - Requires physical access or specialized hardware capabilities for exploitation, not directly exploitable over network.
🏢 Internal Only: MEDIUM - Could be exploited by malicious insiders with physical access to devices or during supply chain attacks.

🎯 Exploit Status

Public PoC: ⚠️ Yes
Weaponized: LIKELY
Unauthenticated Exploit: ⚠️ Yes
Complexity: MEDIUM

Exploitation requires physical access or specialized hardware tools. Public research demonstrates exploitation methodology.

🛠️ Fix & Mitigation

✅ Official Fix

Patch Version: N/A

Vendor Advisory: https://www.nccgroup.com/research-blog/there-s-another-hole-in-your-soc-unisoc-rom-vulnerabilities/

Restart Required: No

Instructions:

No software patch available. Contact device manufacturer for hardware replacement options or mitigation guidance.

🔧 Temporary Workarounds

Physical Security Controls

all

Implement strict physical access controls to prevent unauthorized device access

Supply Chain Verification

all

Verify device integrity and source before deployment

🧯 If You Can't Patch

  • Decommission affected devices from critical environments
  • Implement additional security layers and monitoring for devices that must remain in use

🔍 How to Verify

Check if Vulnerable:

Check device specifications for Unisoc/Spreadtrum chipset usage. Consult manufacturer for specific device vulnerability status.

Check Version:

N/A - Hardware-level vulnerability

Verify Fix Applied:

No software fix available. Only hardware replacement with updated BootROM can resolve.

📡 Detection & Monitoring

Log Indicators:

  • Unusual boot sequence events
  • Secure boot validation failures

Network Indicators:

  • N/A - Local exploitation only

SIEM Query:

N/A - Hardware-level attack not typically logged

🔗 References

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