CVE-2025-59696 is a hardware security vulnerability identified in Entrust nShield Connect XC, nShield 5c, and nShield HSMi devices up to firmware versions 13.6.11 and 13.7. These Hardware Security Modules (HSMs) are widely used to safeguard cryptographic keys and perform secure cryptographic operations in sensitive environments. The vulnerability arises from the Chassis management board interface, which an attacker with physical proximity can exploit to modify or erase tamper event logs. Tamper events are critical security features that log attempts to physically access or manipulate the device, serving as an alert mechanism for potential compromise. By erasing or altering these logs, an attacker can conceal evidence of physical tampering, potentially allowing unauthorized extraction or manipulation of cryptographic material without detection. The attack requires physical access to the device or its immediate environment, which limits the attack vector to insiders or intruders who can bypass physical security controls. No remote exploitation is possible through this vulnerability. There are no known exploits in the wild at this time, and no CVSS score has been assigned yet. The lack of a patch link suggests that a vendor fix may still be pending or in development. This vulnerability undermines the integrity and trustworthiness of the tamper detection mechanism, which is foundational to the security assurances provided by HSMs. Organizations using these Entrust HSM models must be aware of the risk that physical tampering could go undetected, potentially leading to compromise of cryptographic keys and sensitive operations.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-59696 is significant in sectors relying on Entrust nShield HSMs for critical security functions, such as banking, government, telecommunications, and critical infrastructure. The ability to erase tamper logs can enable attackers to conduct undetected physical attacks, potentially leading to theft or misuse of cryptographic keys, undermining data confidentiality and integrity. This could facilitate fraudulent transactions, unauthorized data decryption, or disruption of secure communications. The requirement for physical proximity means that insider threats or attackers with physical access to data centers or secure facilities pose the greatest risk. The compromise of HSMs can have cascading effects on trust in digital signatures, encryption, and authentication services, affecting compliance with European data protection regulations like GDPR. Additionally, the erosion of tamper evidence can hinder forensic investigations and incident response efforts. The absence of known exploits reduces immediate risk, but the vulnerability represents a critical weakness in physical security assurance that must be addressed promptly.

1. Enforce stringent physical security controls around HSM devices, including restricted access to data centers and secure rooms where Entrust nShield HSMs are deployed. 2. Implement continuous physical monitoring such as surveillance cameras and tamper-evident seals on HSM chassis to detect unauthorized access attempts. 3. Regularly audit tamper logs and cross-verify with physical access logs to identify discrepancies that may indicate tamper log manipulation. 4. Coordinate with Entrust to obtain and apply firmware updates or patches addressing this vulnerability as soon as they become available. 5. Employ multi-factor authentication and role-based access controls for personnel authorized to access HSM management interfaces. 6. Consider deploying additional tamper detection mechanisms external to the HSM, such as environmental sensors or intrusion detection systems, to provide layered physical security. 7. Develop and rehearse incident response plans that include procedures for suspected physical tampering and forensic analysis of HSMs. 8. Limit the number of personnel with physical access to HSMs and conduct thorough background checks to mitigate insider threats.