CWE-862
Weakness Allowed-with-ReviewMissing Authorization
Abstraction: Class · Status: Incomplete
The product does not perform an authorization check when an actor attempts to access a resource or perform an action.
Dimensions
- Behavior-Property: Missing
- Behavior-Type: Authorization
Mapping guidance
This CWE entry is a Class and might have Base-level children that would be more appropriate
Examine children of this entry to see if there is a better fit
Relationships and members
Modes of introduction
OMISSION: This weakness is caused by missing a security tactic during the architecture and design phase.
Authorization weaknesses may arise when a single-user application is ported to a multi-user environment.
A developer may introduce authorization weaknesses because of a lack of understanding about the underlying technologies. For example, a developer may assume that attackers cannot modify certain inputs such as headers or cookies.
Detection methods
Automated Static Analysis
Automated static analysis is useful for detecting commonly-used idioms for authorization. A tool may be able to analyze related configuration files, such as .htaccess in Apache web servers, or detect the usage of commonly-used authorization libraries.
Generally, automated static analysis tools have difficulty detecting custom authorization schemes. In addition, the software's design may include some functionality that is accessible to any user and does not require an authorization check; an automated technique that detects the absence of authorization may report false positives.
Effectiveness: Limited
Automated Dynamic Analysis
Automated dynamic analysis may find many or all possible interfaces that do not require authorization, but manual analysis is required to determine if the lack of authorization violates business logic.
Manual Analysis
This weakness can be detected using tools and techniques that require manual (human) analysis, such as penetration testing, threat modeling, and interactive tools that allow the tester to record and modify an active session.
Specifically, manual static analysis is useful for evaluating the correctness of custom authorization mechanisms.
Effectiveness: Moderate
These may be more effective than strictly automated techniques. This is especially the case with weaknesses that are related to design and business rules. However, manual efforts might not achieve desired code coverage within limited time constraints.
Manual Static Analysis - Binary or Bytecode
According to SOAR [REF-1479], the following detection techniques may be useful:
Cost effective for partial coverage:
Binary / Bytecode disassembler - then use manual analysis for vulnerabilities & anomalies
Effectiveness: SOAR Partial
Dynamic Analysis with Automated Results Interpretation
According to SOAR [REF-1479], the following detection techniques may be useful:
Cost effective for partial coverage:
Web Application Scanner
Web Services Scanner
Database Scanners
Effectiveness: SOAR Partial
Dynamic Analysis with Manual Results Interpretation
According to SOAR [REF-1479], the following detection techniques may be useful:
Cost effective for partial coverage:
Host Application Interface Scanner
Fuzz Tester
Framework-based Fuzzer
Effectiveness: SOAR Partial
Manual Static Analysis - Source Code
According to SOAR [REF-1479], the following detection techniques may be useful:
Cost effective for partial coverage:
Focused Manual Spotcheck - Focused manual analysis of source
Manual Source Code Review (not inspections)
Effectiveness: SOAR Partial
Automated Static Analysis - Source Code
According to SOAR [REF-1479], the following detection techniques may be useful:
Cost effective for partial coverage:
Source code Weakness Analyzer
Context-configured Source Code Weakness Analyzer
Effectiveness: SOAR Partial
Architecture or Design Review
According to SOAR [REF-1479], the following detection techniques may be useful:
Highly cost effective:
Inspection (IEEE 1028 standard) (can apply to requirements, design, source code, etc.)
Formal Methods / Correct-By-Construction
Effectiveness: High
Notes
Terminology
Assuming a user with a given identity, authorization is the process of determining whether that user can access a given resource, based on the user's privileges and any permissions or other access-control specifications that apply to the resource.
Content history
Suggested mappings to ISA/IEC 62443.
Provided diagram to improve CWE usability
updated Demonstrative_Examples, Related_Attack_Patterns, Relationships
updated Potential_Mitigations, References, Relationships
updated Demonstrative_Examples, Observed_Examples, References, Relationships
updated Potential_Mitigations
updated Relationships
updated Detection_Factors
updated Relationships
updated Applicable_Platforms, Modes_of_Introduction, References, Relationships
updated References
updated Relationships
updated Relationships
updated Relationships
updated Relationships
updated Alternate_Terms, Observed_Examples
updated Observed_Examples, Related_Attack_Patterns, Relationships
updated Relationships
updated Relationships
updated Observed_Examples
updated Description, Potential_Mitigations
updated References, Relationships, Taxonomy_Mappings
updated Mapping_Notes, Relationships, Taxonomy_Mappings
updated Common_Consequences, Description, Diagram, Relationships, Terminology_Notes
updated Applicable_Platforms, Detection_Factors, Observed_Examples, References
updated Applicable_Platforms, Relationships, Weakness_Ordinalities
updated Applicable_Platforms, Observed_Examples, Relationships
updated Applicable_Platforms, Dimensions, References, Relationships, Taxonomy_Mappings
20038 vulnerabilities reference this CWE, most recent first.
GHSA-G6RQ-PXQ3-M464
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2025-07-16 12:30 – Updated: 2026-04-01 18:35Missing Authorization vulnerability in SMTP2GO SMTP2GO allows Exploiting Incorrectly Configured Access Control Security Levels. This issue affects SMTP2GO: from n/a through 1.12.1.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2025-54011"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-862"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2025-07-16T11:15:28Z",
"severity": "MODERATE"
},
"details": "Missing Authorization vulnerability in SMTP2GO SMTP2GO allows Exploiting Incorrectly Configured Access Control Security Levels. This issue affects SMTP2GO: from n/a through 1.12.1.",
"id": "GHSA-g6rq-pxq3-m464",
"modified": "2026-04-01T18:35:46Z",
"published": "2025-07-16T12:30:24Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2025-54011"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://patchstack.com/database/wordpress/plugin/smtp2go/vulnerability/wordpress-smtp2go-plugin-1-12-1-broken-access-control-vulnerability?_s_id=cve"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:L/A:N",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
GHSA-G6V9-2RV3-QX9W
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2024-12-31 15:30 – Updated: 2026-04-01 18:32Missing Authorization vulnerability in StoreApps Smart Manager.This issue affects Smart Manager: from n/a through 8.45.0.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2024-49687"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-862"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2024-12-31T14:15:23Z",
"severity": "MODERATE"
},
"details": "Missing Authorization vulnerability in StoreApps Smart Manager.This issue affects Smart Manager: from n/a through 8.45.0.",
"id": "GHSA-g6v9-2rv3-qx9w",
"modified": "2026-04-01T18:32:54Z",
"published": "2024-12-31T15:30:45Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2024-49687"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://patchstack.com/database/wordpress/plugin/smart-manager-for-wp-e-commerce/vulnerability/wordpress-smart-manager-plugin-8-45-0-broken-access-control-vulnerability?_s_id=cve"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:L/A:N",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
GHSA-G6W6-46CP-5MRG
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2025-12-13 18:30 – Updated: 2025-12-13 18:30The Mavix Education theme for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized modification of data due to a missing capability check on the 'mavix_education_activate_plugin' AJAX action in all versions up to, and including, 1.0. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with Subscriber-level access and above, to activate the Creativ Demo Importer plugin.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2025-11164"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-862"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2025-12-13T16:16:45Z",
"severity": "MODERATE"
},
"details": "The Mavix Education theme for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized modification of data due to a missing capability check on the \u0027mavix_education_activate_plugin\u0027 AJAX action in all versions up to, and including, 1.0. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with Subscriber-level access and above, to activate the Creativ Demo Importer plugin.",
"id": "GHSA-g6w6-46cp-5mrg",
"modified": "2025-12-13T18:30:19Z",
"published": "2025-12-13T18:30:19Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2025-11164"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://themes.trac.wordpress.org/changeset?sfp_email=\u0026sfph_mail=\u0026reponame=\u0026old=297888%40mavix-education\u0026new=297888%40mavix-education"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.wordfence.com/threat-intel/vulnerabilities/id/a8e57528-010f-4ec6-917b-4cd8c3fdbd58?source=cve"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:L/A:N",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
GHSA-G6W7-7678-67J9
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2025-02-15 09:30 – Updated: 2025-02-15 09:30The Media Library Folders plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized plugin settings change due to a missing capability check on several AJAX actions in all versions up to, and including, 8.3.0. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with Author-level access and above, to change plugin settings related to things such as IP-blocking.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2025-0935"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-862"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2025-02-15T09:15:10Z",
"severity": "MODERATE"
},
"details": "The Media Library Folders plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized plugin settings change due to a missing capability check on several AJAX actions in all versions up to, and including, 8.3.0. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with Author-level access and above, to change plugin settings related to things such as IP-blocking.",
"id": "GHSA-g6w7-7678-67j9",
"modified": "2025-02-15T09:30:29Z",
"published": "2025-02-15T09:30:29Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2025-0935"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://plugins.trac.wordpress.org/browser/media-library-plus/trunk/media-library-plus.php#L6296"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://plugins.trac.wordpress.org/browser/media-library-plus/trunk/media-library-plus.php#L697"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://plugins.trac.wordpress.org/browser/media-library-plus/trunk/media-library-plus.php#L7198"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://plugins.trac.wordpress.org/changeset/3234676/media-library-plus/trunk/media-library-plus.php"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.wordfence.com/threat-intel/vulnerabilities/id/6f810102-cf25-4898-a3a6-3cdc9a96aaea?source=cve"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:L/A:N",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
GHSA-G6WJ-GW42-4345
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2026-02-18 09:31 – Updated: 2026-02-18 09:31The YayMail – WooCommerce Email Customizer plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized license key deletion due to a missing authorization check on the /yaymail-license/v1/license/delete REST endpoint in versions up to, and including, 4.3.2. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with Shop Manager-level access and above, to delete the plugin's license key via the '/yaymail-license/v1/license/delete' endpoint granted they can obtain the REST API nonce.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2026-1938"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-862"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2026-02-18T08:16:15Z",
"severity": "MODERATE"
},
"details": "The YayMail \u2013 WooCommerce Email Customizer plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized license key deletion due to a missing authorization check on the `/yaymail-license/v1/license/delete` REST endpoint in versions up to, and including, 4.3.2. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with Shop Manager-level access and above, to delete the plugin\u0027s license key via the \u0027/yaymail-license/v1/license/delete\u0027 endpoint granted they can obtain the REST API nonce.",
"id": "GHSA-g6wj-gw42-4345",
"modified": "2026-02-18T09:31:04Z",
"published": "2026-02-18T09:31:04Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-1938"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://plugins.trac.wordpress.org/browser/yaymail/tags/4.3.2/src/License/RestAPI.php#L142"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://plugins.trac.wordpress.org/browser/yaymail/trunk/src/License/RestAPI.php#L142"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://plugins.trac.wordpress.org/changeset/3460087"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.wordfence.com/threat-intel/vulnerabilities/id/6ce57b12-2241-416b-b466-aa06ca8c7551?source=cve"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:L/A:N",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
GHSA-G6WW-GH3R-4M77
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2024-10-16 09:30 – Updated: 2024-10-16 09:30The Paytium: Mollie payment forms & donations plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized API key update due to a missing capability check on the paytium_sw_save_api_keys function in versions up to, and including, 4.3.7. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers with subscriber-level access to change plugin API keys.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2023-7289"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-862"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2024-10-16T07:15:14Z",
"severity": "MODERATE"
},
"details": "The Paytium: Mollie payment forms \u0026 donations plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized API key update due to a missing capability check on the paytium_sw_save_api_keys function in versions up to, and including, 4.3.7. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers with subscriber-level access to change plugin API keys.",
"id": "GHSA-g6ww-gh3r-4m77",
"modified": "2024-10-16T09:30:31Z",
"published": "2024-10-16T09:30:31Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2023-7289"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://plugins.trac.wordpress.org/changeset?sfp_email=\u0026sfph_mail=\u0026reponame=\u0026new=2853869%40paytium%2Ftrunk\u0026old=2824314%40paytium%2Ftrunk\u0026sfp_email=\u0026sfph_mail=#file0"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.wordfence.com/threat-intel/vulnerabilities/id/a92beff1-3bc6-459e-aeca-5cbdf2152388?source=cve"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:L/A:L",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
GHSA-G6XM-GH7W-3JH2
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2024-02-29 03:33 – Updated: 2024-02-29 03:33The SKT Page Builder plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized modification of data due to a missing capability check on the 'saveSktbuilderPageData' function in all versions up to, and including, 4.1. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with subscriber access and above, to inject arbitrary content into pages.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2024-1337"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-862"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2024-02-29T01:43:48Z",
"severity": "MODERATE"
},
"details": "The SKT Page Builder plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to unauthorized modification of data due to a missing capability check on the \u0027saveSktbuilderPageData\u0027 function in all versions up to, and including, 4.1. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers, with subscriber access and above, to inject arbitrary content into pages.",
"id": "GHSA-g6xm-gh7w-3jh2",
"modified": "2024-02-29T03:33:16Z",
"published": "2024-02-29T03:33:16Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2024-1337"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://plugins.trac.wordpress.org/changeset/3034383"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://www.wordfence.com/threat-intel/vulnerabilities/id/3164b96f-d876-4cbc-bddf-51e9d9becee6?source=cve"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:L/A:N",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
GHSA-G72J-R79X-65F4
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2023-03-24 21:30 – Updated: 2023-03-29 18:30In getAvailabilityStatus of several Transcode Permission Controllers, there is a possible permission bypass due to a missing permission check. This could lead to local escalation of privilege with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.Product: AndroidVersions: Android-13Android ID: A-261193946
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2023-21005"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-862"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2023-03-24T20:15:00Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "In getAvailabilityStatus of several Transcode Permission Controllers, there is a possible permission bypass due to a missing permission check. This could lead to local escalation of privilege with no additional execution privileges needed. User interaction is not needed for exploitation.Product: AndroidVersions: Android-13Android ID: A-261193946",
"id": "GHSA-g72j-r79x-65f4",
"modified": "2023-03-29T18:30:30Z",
"published": "2023-03-24T21:30:51Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2023-21005"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://source.android.com/security/bulletin/pixel/2023-03-01"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
GHSA-G73J-H828-GG82
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2022-05-24 17:29 – Updated: 2022-05-24 17:29bhyve, as used in FreeBSD through 12.1 and illumos (e.g., OmniOS CE through r151034 and OpenIndiana through Hipster 2020.04), does not properly restrict VMCS and VMCB read/write operations, as demonstrated by a root user in a container on an Intel system, who can gain privileges by modifying VMCS_HOST_RIP.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2020-24718"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-862",
"CWE-863"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2020-09-25T04:23:00Z",
"severity": "HIGH"
},
"details": "bhyve, as used in FreeBSD through 12.1 and illumos (e.g., OmniOS CE through r151034 and OpenIndiana through Hipster 2020.04), does not properly restrict VMCS and VMCB read/write operations, as demonstrated by a root user in a container on an Intel system, who can gain privileges by modifying VMCS_HOST_RIP.",
"id": "GHSA-g73j-h828-gg82",
"modified": "2022-05-24T17:29:35Z",
"published": "2022-05-24T17:29:35Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2020-24718"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://github.com/illumos/illumos-gate/blob/84971882a96ac0fecd538b02208054a872ff8af3/usr/src/uts/i86pc/io/vmm/intel/vmcs.c#L246-L249"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://security.FreeBSD.org/advisories/FreeBSD-SA-20:28.bhyve_vmcs.asc"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://security.netapp.com/advisory/ntap-20201016-0002"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": []
}
GHSA-G749-863R-H452
Vulnerability from github – Published: 2026-11-11 15:31 – Updated: 2026-11-11 15:31Missing Authorization vulnerability in Cozmoslabs Profile Builder profile-builder allows Exploiting Incorrectly Configured Access Control Security Levels.This issue affects Profile Builder: from n/a through 4.0.6.
{
"affected": [],
"aliases": [
"CVE-2026-125776"
],
"database_specific": {
"cwe_ids": [
"CWE-862"
],
"github_reviewed": false,
"github_reviewed_at": null,
"nvd_published_at": "2026-11-11T13:17:23Z",
"severity": "MODERATE"
},
"details": "Missing Authorization vulnerability in Cozmoslabs Profile Builder profile-builder allows Exploiting Incorrectly Configured Access Control Security Levels.This issue affects Profile Builder: from n/a through 4.0.6.",
"id": "GHSA-g749-863r-h452",
"modified": "2026-11-11T15:31:01Z",
"published": "2026-11-11T15:31:01Z",
"references": [
{
"type": "ADVISORY",
"url": "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2026-125776"
},
{
"type": "WEB",
"url": "https://patchstack.com/database/wordpress/plugin/profile-builder/vulnerability/wordpress-profile-builder-plugin-4-0-6-broken-access-control-vulnerability?_s_id=cve"
}
],
"schema_version": "1.4.0",
"severity": [
{
"score": "CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:L/I:N/A:N",
"type": "CVSS_V3"
}
]
}
Mitigation
- Divide the product into anonymous, normal, privileged, and administrative areas. Reduce the attack surface by carefully mapping roles with data and functionality. Use role-based access control (RBAC) [REF-229] to enforce the roles at the appropriate boundaries.
- Note that this approach may not protect against horizontal authorization, i.e., it will not protect a user from attacking others with the same role.
Mitigation
Ensure that access control checks are performed related to the business logic. These checks may be different than the access control checks that are applied to more generic resources such as files, connections, processes, memory, and database records. For example, a database may restrict access for medical records to a specific database user, but each record might only be intended to be accessible to the patient and the patient's doctor [REF-7].
Mitigation MIT-4.4
Strategy: Libraries or Frameworks
- Use a vetted library or framework that does not allow this weakness to occur or provides constructs that make this weakness easier to avoid.
- For example, consider using authorization frameworks such as the JAAS Authorization Framework [REF-233] and the OWASP ESAPI Access Control feature [REF-45].
Mitigation
- For web applications, make sure that the access control mechanism is enforced correctly at the server side on every page. Users should not be able to access any unauthorized functionality or information by simply requesting direct access to that page.
- One way to do this is to ensure that all pages containing sensitive information are not cached, and that all such pages restrict access to requests that are accompanied by an active and authenticated session token associated with a user who has the required permissions to access that page.
Mitigation
Use the access control capabilities of your operating system and server environment and define your access control lists accordingly. Use a "default deny" policy when defining these ACLs.
CAPEC-665: Exploitation of Thunderbolt Protection Flaws
An adversary leverages a firmware weakness within the Thunderbolt protocol, on a computing device to manipulate Thunderbolt controller firmware in order to exploit vulnerabilities in the implementation of authorization and verification schemes within Thunderbolt protection mechanisms. Upon gaining physical access to a target device, the adversary conducts high-level firmware manipulation of the victim Thunderbolt controller SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface) flash, through the use of a SPI Programing device and an external Thunderbolt device, typically as the target device is booting up. If successful, this allows the adversary to modify memory, subvert authentication mechanisms, spoof identities and content, and extract data and memory from the target device. Currently 7 major vulnerabilities exist within Thunderbolt protocol with 9 attack vectors as noted in the Execution Flow.