CVE-2025-59700: Physical Security Risk – Unprotected Recovery Partition in Entrust nShield HSMs

Overview

CVE-2025-59700 describes a vulnerability affecting Entrust nShield Connect XC, nShield 5c, and nShield HSMi devices through version 13.6.11, or 13.7. The vulnerability allows a physically proximate attacker with root access to the device to modify the Recovery Partition due to a lack of integrity protection. This means an attacker with physical access and root privileges on the HSM could potentially compromise the device’s security by manipulating the recovery mechanisms.

Technical Details

The core issue lies in the absence of integrity protection mechanisms for the Recovery Partition within the affected Entrust nShield HSMs. An attacker who has already obtained root access to the device, which requires physical proximity, can exploit this by modifying the contents of the Recovery Partition. The specific method of modification is not detailed but the lack of integrity checks enables manipulation.

CVSS Analysis

As of the publication of this article, CVE-2025-59700 has been assigned a CVSS score of N/A and a severity rating of N/A. This doesn’t mean the vulnerability is not important; rather, it likely indicates the difficulty in quantifying the impact due to the requirement of physical access and root-level privileges. The practical exploitability of this vulnerability is highly dependent on the security posture and physical security of the HSM environment.

Possible Impact

While requiring physical access and root privileges lowers the overall risk, successful exploitation of CVE-2025-59700 could have severe consequences. An attacker who modifies the Recovery Partition could potentially:

• Compromise the integrity of the HSM’s configuration.
• Bypass security controls during recovery procedures.
• Potentially extract sensitive cryptographic keys or data stored within the HSM.
• Install malicious firmware or software that persists even after a factory reset.

The impact is limited to situations where an attacker already has physical access and root. However, the implications for secure key management and overall trust in the HSM are substantial.

Mitigation or Patch Steps

Users of Entrust nShield Connect XC, nShield 5c, and nShield HSMi devices are strongly advised to take the following steps:

1. Upgrade to a patched version: Contact Entrust to obtain the latest firmware update that addresses CVE-2025-59700. Apply the update as soon as possible.
2. Enhance Physical Security: Implement robust physical security measures to prevent unauthorized access to the HSM devices. This includes restricted access areas, surveillance systems, and tamper-evident seals.
3. Monitor System Logs: Regularly monitor system logs for any suspicious activity or unauthorized access attempts.
4. Implement Root Access Controls: Strictly control and monitor root access to the HSM. Employ multi-factor authentication and strong password policies.