CVE-2026-11835
Time-of-check time-of-use (TOCTOU) vulnerability combined with missing input validation in Caliptra Core ROM (UpdateResetFlow::run()) in subsystem mode allows a compromised local attacker to silently bypass secure boot by supplying an AXI staging address that is not validated against the strap-configured SS_EXTERNAL_STAGING_AREA_BASE_ADDR, enabling firmware to be modified between verification and loading into ICCM. Attestation continues to report the originally verified image digest, masking the compromise. Exploitation requires a compromised MCU firmware with AXI manager access to unprotected SRAM reachable by Caliptra.
This issue affects Core ROM: 2.1.0 through 2.1.1.
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Exploitation outlook
- Low exploitation risk0.08% 30-day exploitation probability — currently an unlikely target, but scores change as exploit code circulates. Riskier than 0% of all EPSS-scored CVEs.
Advisory coverage (1)
External references
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[](https://www.csirts.com/cve/CVE-2026-11835)