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CWE-1239

Improper Zeroization of Hardware Register

VariantDraftSimple
The hardware product does not properly clear sensitive information from built-in registers when the user of the hardware block changes.

Common consequences1

  • ConfidentialityVaries by Context

    The consequences will depend on the information disclosed due to the vulnerability. When a different entity obtains access to the IP due to a change in operating mode or conditions, the new entity can extract information belonging to the previous user if no mechanisms are in place to clear register contents.

Potential mitigations1

  1. Architecture and Design

    It is important to clear information stored in the hardware if a physical attack on the product is detected, or if the user of the hardware block changes. Every register potentially containing sensitive information must have a policy specifying how and when information is cleared, in addition to clarifying if it is the responsibility of the hardware logic or IP user to initiate the zeroization procedure at the appropriate time.

Relationships2

CVEs referencing this CWE

No CVEs reference this CWE yet

CWE assignments come from NVD/CNA assigners and OSS advisories. Some CWEs (Pillars, Composites) are abstract and rarely cited directly.