CVE-2024-13942
Received Received - Intake

Secure BootROM TOCTOU in RK3588s SoC

Publication date: 2026-08-19

Last updated on: 2026-08-19

Assigner: Kaspersky Labs

Description
Secure BootROM of RK3588s SoC is vulnerable to a time-of-check to time-of-use attack in case of booting from external media (SPI NOR or NAND, EMMC or SD). The code reads the header of the next-stage loader twice. The header contains hashes of the executable modules and is signed with a private key, the public part of which is verified against the SHA256 digest blown in the OTP. The first read is only partial and contains only the hashes of the executable modules. The second is complete, including the header signature. Although the header is verified based on the fully read data, the authenticity of the executable modules is checked against the partial data from the first read. An attacker with physical access to a device containing RK3588s SoC can easily modify the next-stage loader data on-the-fly using a low-cost SD-card or SPI NOR/NAND or EMMC emulator. Even a simple ultra low-cost circuit comprising two memory chips (containing the same data but different headers - the original and the modified one) and a multiplexer can be used to carry out an attack. This can lead to arbitrary code execution with the highest privileges available (EL3). This issue affects RK3588s: RK3588s SoC BootROM (secure) 350B20210512V100 and possibly others. As remediation apply mitigations per vendor instructions or discontinue use of the product if mitigations are unavailable https://www.rock-chips.com/a/en/products/RK35_Series/2022/0926/1660.html

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Meta Information

Published
2026-08-19
Last Modified
2026-08-19
Generated
2026-08-19
AI Q&A
2026-08-19
EPSS Evaluated
N/A
NVD
CVE-2024-13942
EUVD
EUVD-2024-55729

Affected Vendors & Products

Showing 1 associated CPE
Vendor Product Version / Range
rockchip rk3588s_soc_bootrom 350b20210512v100

Helpful Resources

Exploitability

CWE
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KEV
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CWE ID Description
CWE-367 The product checks the state of a resource before using that resource, but the resource's state can change between the check and the use in a way that invalidates the results of the check.

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Executive Summary

This vulnerability is a time-of-check to time-of-use attack in the Secure BootROM of the RK3588s SoC when booting from external media. The BootROM reads the next-stage loader header twice: first partially to check module hashes and then fully to verify the signature. However, the authenticity of executable modules is checked against the partial data, allowing an attacker to modify the loader during the second read. This can lead to arbitrary code execution with highest privileges (EL3).

Detection Guidance

This vulnerability requires physical access to exploit and involves modifying bootloader data. Detection would involve inspecting boot media (SD, SPI NOR/NAND, eMMC) for unexpected modifications or unauthorized hardware emulators connected to these interfaces.

Impact Analysis

An attacker with physical access can exploit this to execute arbitrary code with the highest system privileges, potentially taking full control of the device. This could allow unauthorized access, data theft, or manipulation of device functions. The attack can be performed using low-cost tools like an SD-card or SPI NOR/NAND emulator.

Compliance Impact

This vulnerability allows arbitrary code execution with highest privileges due to insecure boot process. This could lead to unauthorized access, data breaches, or tampering with sensitive data, which would violate compliance requirements for GDPR (data protection) and HIPAA (health information security).

Mitigation Strategies

Apply vendor-provided mitigations as instructed by Rockchip. If no mitigations are available, discontinue use of the affected RK3588s SoC BootROM. Check Rockchip's official resources for updates and guidance.

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