Skip to content
OpenAdvisories

Weakness (CWE)

CWE-1313: Hardware Allows Activation of Test or Debug Logic at Runtime

Base Draft

During runtime, the hardware allows for test or debug logic (feature) to be activated, which allows for changing the state of the hardware. This feature can alter the intended behavior of the system and allow for alteration and leakage of sensitive data by an adversary.

How to prevent it (3 mitigations)

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

Source: MITRE CWE-1313

All Critical High Medium Low Exploited only Public exploit

2 results · Clear filters · Feed

  • Medium 6.8
    CVE-2026-36027 Public exploit

    An issue in Code27 Companion Hub SQ3A.220705.003.A1 allows a physically proximate attacker to execute arbitrary code vi…

  • Medium 6.8
    CVE-2025-2919

    Netis WF-2404 UART hardware allows activation of test or debug logic at runtime

    A vulnerability was found in Netis WF-2404 1.1.124EN. It has been declared as critical. This vulnerability affects unknown code of the component UART. The manipulation leads to hardware allows activation of test or debug logic at runtime. It is possible to la…

    Netis WF-2404