CWE-1313 Base Borrador

Hardware Allows Activation of Test or Debug Logic at Runtime

This vulnerability occurs when hardware includes test or debug features that remain accessible during normal operation. An attacker can activate these features at runtime to alter the hardware's…

Definición

What is CWE-1313?

This vulnerability occurs when hardware includes test or debug features that remain accessible during normal operation. An attacker can activate these features at runtime to alter the hardware's state, bypass security controls, and potentially leak or manipulate sensitive data.
Attackers exploit this weakness by accessing hardware test modes—like debug interfaces or error injection circuits—that were intended only for development or manufacturing. Once activated, these features can grant unauthorized read/write access to system memory, registers, or buses, allowing an adversary to directly modify the device's behavior or extract secrets. For example, an accessible debug mode might let an attacker intercept or alter data on a communication bus, leading to malicious message injection. Similarly, runtime error injection could corrupt cryptographic operations or expose keys. These capabilities effectively create backdoors that compromise both system integrity and data confidentiality.
Impacto en el mundo real

Real-world CVEs caused by CWE-1313

  • Hardware processor allows activation of test or debug logic at runtime.

  • Processor allows the activation of test or debug logic at runtime, allowing escalation of privileges

Cómo lo explotan los atacantes

Ruta del atacante paso a paso

  1. 1

    Identifica una ruta de código que maneje entrada no confiable sin validación.

  2. 2

    Crea un payload que ejercite el comportamiento inseguro — inyección, traversal, overflow o abuso de lógica.

  3. 3

    Envía el payload a través de una solicitud normal y observa la reacción de la aplicación.

  4. 4

    Itera hasta que la respuesta filtre datos, ejecute código del atacante o escale privilegios.

Ejemplo de código vulnerable

Vulnerable pseudo

MITRE no ha publicado un ejemplo de código para esta CWE. El patrón siguiente es ilustrativo — consulta Recursos para referencias canónicas.

Vulnerable pseudo
// Example pattern — see MITRE for the canonical references.
function handleRequest(input) {
  // Untrusted input flows directly into the sensitive sink.
  return executeUnsafe(input);
}
Ejemplo de código seguro

Secure pseudo

Seguro 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.
Lista de prevención

How to prevent CWE-1313

  • Architecture and Design Insert restrictions on when the hardware's test or debug features can be activated. For example, during normal operating modes, the hardware's privileged modes that allow access to such features cannot be activated. Configuring the hardware to only enter a test or debug mode within a window of opportunity such as during boot or configuration stage. The result is disablement of such test/debug features and associated modes during normal runtime operations.
  • Implementation Insert restrictions on when the hardware's test or debug features can be activated. For example, during normal operating modes, the hardware's privileged modes that allow access to such features cannot be activated. Configuring the hardware to only enter a test or debug mode within a window of opportunity such as during boot or configuration stage. The result is disablement of such test/debug features and associated modes during normal runtime operations.
  • Integration Insert restrictions on when the hardware's test or debug features can be activated. For example, during normal operating modes, the hardware's privileged modes that allow access to such features cannot be activated. Configuring the hardware to only enter a test or debug mode within a window of opportunity such as during boot or configuration stage. The result is disablement of such test/debug features and associated modes during normal runtime operations.
Señales de detección

How to detect CWE-1313

SAST High

Ejecuta análisis estático (SAST) sobre el código buscando el patrón inseguro en el flujo de datos.

DAST Moderate

Ejecuta pruebas dinámicas de seguridad de aplicaciones (DAST) contra el endpoint en vivo.

Runtime Moderate

Vigila los logs en tiempo de ejecución para detectar trazas de excepción inusuales, entradas malformadas o intentos de bypass de autorización.

Code review Moderate

Revisión de código: marca cualquier código nuevo que maneje entrada desde esta superficie sin usar los helpers validados del framework.

Auto-corrección de Plexicus

Plexicus detecta automáticamente CWE-1313 y abre un PR de corrección en menos de 60 segundos.

Codex Remedium escanea cada commit, identifica esta debilidad concreta y entrega un pull request listo para revisión con el parche. Sin tickets. Sin traspasos.

Preguntas frecuentes

Frequently asked questions

¿Qué es CWE-1313?

This vulnerability occurs when hardware includes test or debug features that remain accessible during normal operation. An attacker can activate these features at runtime to alter the hardware's state, bypass security controls, and potentially leak or manipulate sensitive data.

¿Qué gravedad tiene CWE-1313?

MITRE no ha publicado una calificación de probabilidad de explotación para esta debilidad. Trátala como de impacto medio hasta que tu modelo de amenazas demuestre lo contrario.

¿Qué lenguajes o plataformas se ven afectados por CWE-1313?

MITRE lists the following affected platforms: Not OS-Specific, Not Architecture-Specific, Not Technology-Specific.

¿Cómo puedo prevenir CWE-1313?

Insert restrictions on when the hardware's test or debug features can be activated. For example, during normal operating modes, the hardware's privileged modes that allow access to such features cannot be activated. Configuring the hardware to only enter a test or debug mode within a window of opportunity such as during boot or configuration stage. The result is disablement of such test/debug features and associated modes during normal runtime operations. Insert restrictions on when the…

¿Cómo detecta y corrige Plexicus CWE-1313?

El motor SAST de Plexicus detecta la firma de flujo de datos para CWE-1313 en cada commit. Cuando hay coincidencia, nuestro agente Codex Remedium abre un PR de corrección con el código corregido, las pruebas y un resumen de una línea para el revisor.

¿Dónde puedo aprender más sobre CWE-1313?

MITRE publica la definición canónica en https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/1313.html. También puedes consultar la documentación de OWASP y NIST para guías relacionadas.

Debilidades relacionadas

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