Vulnerability Description
On Coldcard MK1 and MK2 devices, a side channel for the row-based OLED display was found. The power consumption of each row-based display cycle depends on the number of illuminated pixels, allowing a partial recovery of display contents. For example, a hardware implant in the USB cable might be able to leverage this behavior to recover confidential secrets such as the PIN and BIP39 mnemonic. In other words, the side channel is relevant only if the attacker has enough control over the device's USB connection to make power-consumption measurements at a time when secret data is displayed. The side channel is not relevant in other circumstances, such as a stolen device that is not currently displaying secret data. On Coldcard MK1 and MK2 devices, a side channel for the row-based OLED display was found. The power consumption of each row-based display cycle depends on the number of illuminated pixels, allowing a partial recovery of display contents. For example, a hardware implant in the USB cable might be able to leverage this behavior to recover confidential secrets such as the PIN and BIP39 mnemonic. In other words, the side channel is relevant only if the attacker has enough control over the device's USB connection to make power-consumption measurements at a time when secret data is displayed. The side channel is not relevant in other circumstances, such as a stolen device that is not currently displaying secret data. NOTE: At Coinkite, we’ve already mitigated it, even though we feel strongly that it is not a legitimate issue. In our opinion, it is both unproven (might not even work) and also completely impractical—even if it could be made to work perfectly
CVSS Score
MEDIUM
Affected Products
| Vendor | Product | Versions |
|---|---|---|
| Coinkite | Coldcard Mk1 Firmware | < 2.1.2 |
| Coinkite | Coldcard Mk1 | - |
| Coinkite | Coldcard Mk2 Firmware | < 2.1.2 |
| Coinkite | Coldcard Mk2 | - |
Related Weaknesses (CWE)
References
- https://blog.coinkite.com/noise-troll/PatchVendor Advisory
- https://github.com/someone42/hardware-bitcoin-wallet/blob/master/pic32/ssd1306.cExploitThird Party Advisory
- https://blog.coinkite.com/noise-troll/PatchVendor Advisory
- https://github.com/someone42/hardware-bitcoin-wallet/blob/master/pic32/ssd1306.cExploitThird Party Advisory
FAQ
What is CVE-2019-14356?
CVE-2019-14356 is a vulnerability with a CVSS score of 5.3 (MEDIUM). On Coldcard MK1 and MK2 devices, a side channel for the row-based OLED display was found. The power consumption of each row-based display cycle depends on the number of illuminated pixels, allowing a ...
How severe is CVE-2019-14356?
CVE-2019-14356 has been rated MEDIUM with a CVSS base score of 5.3/10. Review the CVSS metrics above for detailed severity breakdown.
Is there a patch for CVE-2019-14356?
Check the references section above for vendor advisories and patch information. Affected products include: Coinkite Coldcard Mk1 Firmware, Coinkite Coldcard Mk1, Coinkite Coldcard Mk2 Firmware, Coinkite Coldcard Mk2.