Run static analysis (SAST) on the codebase looking for the unsafe pattern in the data flow.
CWE-1192 Base Draft
Improper Identifier for IP Block used in System-On-Chip (SOC)
This weakness occurs when a System-on-Chip (SoC) lacks a secure, unique, and permanent identifier for its internal hardware components (IP blocks). Without this, the system cannot reliably…
Definition
What is CWE-1192?
This weakness occurs when a System-on-Chip (SoC) lacks a secure, unique, and permanent identifier for its internal hardware components (IP blocks). Without this, the system cannot reliably distinguish between different parts of the chip, leading to security and reliability failures.
A System-on-Chip integrates multiple hardware components, or IP blocks, each with different security needs. A unique and immutable identifier for each block is essential for secure operations like routing transactions, managing resets, or controlling access to sensitive data. When this identifier is missing or flawed, the SoC cannot properly authenticate which component is making a request, opening the door to spoofing, unauthorized actions, and system malfunctions.
This vulnerability typically manifests in four ways: a completely missing identifier mechanism, an insufficient identifier that doesn't block all relevant attacks, a misconfigured mechanism that isn't implemented correctly, or an ignored identifier where the SoC doesn't enforce security policies based on it. Each scenario prevents the system from establishing the trusted identity required for secure communication and access control between chip components.
Real-world impact
Real-world CVEs caused by CWE-1192
No public CVE references are linked to this CWE in MITRE's catalog yet.
How attackers exploit it
Step-by-step attacker path
- 1
Identify a code path that handles untrusted input without validation.
- 2
Craft a payload that exercises the unsafe behavior — injection, traversal, overflow, or logic abuse.
- 3
Deliver the payload through a normal request and observe the application's reaction.
- 4
Iterate until the response leaks data, executes attacker code, or escalates privileges.
Vulnerable code example
Vulnerable pseudo
MITRE has not published a code example for this CWE. The pattern below is illustrative — see Resources for canonical references.
// Example pattern — see MITRE for the canonical references.
function handleRequest(input) {
// Untrusted input flows directly into the sensitive sink.
return executeUnsafe(input);
} Secure code example
Secure pseudo
// Validate, sanitize, or use a safe API before reaching the sink.
function handleRequest(input) {
const safe = validateAndEscape(input);
return executeWithGuards(safe);
} What changed: the unsafe sink is replaced (or the input is validated/escaped) so the same payload no longer triggers the weakness.
Prevention checklist
How to prevent CWE-1192
- Architecture and Design Every identity generated in the SoC should be unique and immutable in hardware. The actions that an IP is trusted or not trusted should be clearly defined, implemented, configured, and tested. If the definition is implemented via a policy, then the policy should be immutable or protected with clear authentication and authorization.
Detection signals
How to detect CWE-1192
Run dynamic application security testing against the live endpoint.
Watch runtime logs for unusual exception traces, malformed input, or authorization bypass attempts.
Code review: flag any new code that handles input from this surface without using the validated framework helpers.
CWE-1192
Don't catalog this weakness. Prove it's reachable.
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Frequently asked questions What is CWE-1192?
How serious is CWE-1192?
What languages or platforms are affected by CWE-1192?
How can I prevent CWE-1192?
How does Plexicus detect and fix CWE-1192?
Where can I learn more about CWE-1192?
Frequently asked questions
What is CWE-1192?
This weakness occurs when a System-on-Chip (SoC) lacks a secure, unique, and permanent identifier for its internal hardware components (IP blocks). Without this, the system cannot reliably distinguish between different parts of the chip, leading to security and reliability failures.
How serious is CWE-1192?
MITRE has not published a likelihood-of-exploit rating for this weakness. Treat it as medium-impact until your threat model proves otherwise.
What languages or platforms are affected by CWE-1192?
MITRE lists the following affected platforms: System on Chip.
How can I prevent CWE-1192?
Every identity generated in the SoC should be unique and immutable in hardware. The actions that an IP is trusted or not trusted should be clearly defined, implemented, configured, and tested. If the definition is implemented via a policy, then the policy should be immutable or protected with clear authentication and authorization.
How does Plexicus detect and fix CWE-1192?
Plexicus's SAST engine matches the data-flow signature for CWE-1192 on every commit. When a match is found, our Codex Remedium agent opens a fix PR with the corrected code, tests, and a one-line summary for the reviewer.
Where can I learn more about CWE-1192?
MITRE publishes the canonical definition at https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/1192.html. You can also reference OWASP and NIST documentation for adjacent guidance.
Related weaknesses
Weaknesses related to CWE-1192
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Resources
Further reading
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