CVE-2002-2059 in D845BG
Summary
by MITRE
BIOS D845BG, D845HV, D845PT and D845WN on Intel motherboards does not properly restrict access to configuration information when BIOS passwords are enabled, which could allow local users to change the default boot device via the F8 key.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/08/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-2059 affects specific Intel motherboards including the D845BG, D845HV, D845PT, and D845WN models that utilize BIOS firmware for system configuration and boot management. This issue represents a critical flaw in the firmware implementation that undermines the security controls designed to protect system boot configurations. The vulnerability stems from improper access control mechanisms within the BIOS firmware that fails to adequately enforce restrictions on configuration information even when BIOS passwords are properly configured by system administrators.
The technical flaw manifests in the BIOS implementation where the system does not properly validate access permissions when BIOS passwords are enabled. When a user attempts to access the system configuration interface through the F8 key during boot, the firmware fails to properly authenticate or authorize the request, allowing unauthorized modification of boot device settings. This occurs despite the presence of BIOS password protection that should normally restrict access to sensitive configuration parameters. The vulnerability creates a bypass mechanism that enables local attackers to modify critical boot parameters without proper authentication, effectively undermining the security posture of the entire system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it allows local users to manipulate the system boot sequence and potentially redirect the boot process to malicious code or unauthorized operating systems. Attackers can exploit this weakness to change the default boot device, which could lead to persistent access to the system through malicious boot loaders or unauthorized operating system installations. The vulnerability particularly affects systems where BIOS passwords are configured but not properly enforced, creating a false sense of security for administrators who believe their password protection is sufficient. This flaw essentially provides a backdoor mechanism that bypasses the intended security controls and could enable privilege escalation or persistent access to the compromised systems.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-284 which addresses improper access control in software systems, specifically targeting inadequate authorization mechanisms in firmware implementations. From an adversarial perspective, this vulnerability maps to attack techniques within the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1014 - Rootkit category and T1068 - Exploitation for Privilege Escalation, as it allows attackers to modify system boot configurations and potentially establish persistent access. The flaw demonstrates a fundamental failure in the BIOS security model where the presence of authentication mechanisms does not translate into proper enforcement of access controls, creating a security boundary failure that enables unauthorized configuration changes.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate firmware updates from Intel to address the specific BIOS implementation flaw, as well as implementing additional security measures such as disabling unnecessary boot keys and ensuring proper BIOS password enforcement. System administrators should also consider physical security measures to prevent unauthorized access to system configuration interfaces and implement monitoring for unauthorized boot device changes. The vulnerability underscores the importance of comprehensive firmware security testing and the need for proper access control validation within embedded systems, particularly in critical infrastructure environments where BIOS-level security is paramount for overall system integrity and protection against sophisticated attacks.