crypto: caam key material leak via debug dump

Executive Summary

This vulnerability involves the Linux kernel improperly handling sensitive key material in cryptographic operations. When CONFIG_DYNAMIC_DEBUG is enabled, the kernel could leak secret keys through debug output. The fix replaces unsafe hex dump functions with print_hex_dump_devel() to prevent this exposure.

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Detection Guidance

This vulnerability involves potential leakage of sensitive key material in the Linux kernel's crypto subsystem. Detection requires checking if CONFIG_DYNAMIC_DEBUG is enabled and examining kernel logs for hex dumps of keys. Use commands like 'grep CONFIG_DYNAMIC_DEBUG /boot/config-$(uname -r)' to verify the config and 'dmesg | grep -i key' to inspect kernel logs for key-related output.

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Impact Analysis

If exploited, this flaw could allow attackers to extract cryptographic keys from the system. This might enable decryption of sensitive data, impersonation, or bypassing security controls that rely on these keys. Systems using the affected kernel components are at risk.

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Compliance Impact

This vulnerability could lead to non-compliance with GDPR (data protection) and HIPAA (health data security) by exposing sensitive data. Unauthorized access to cryptographic keys may violate requirements for data confidentiality and integrity, potentially resulting in legal penalties or data breach notifications.

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Mitigation Strategies

Apply the latest kernel update from your distribution to patch the caam driver. Disable CONFIG_DYNAMIC_DEBUG if not required, as it enables runtime debug output that could expose secrets. Monitor kernel logs for unexpected key dumps after applying the fix.

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