CVE-2008-3900 in Intel
Summary
by MITRE
Intel firmware PE94510M.86A.0050.2007.0710.1559 stores pre-boot authentication passwords in the BIOS Keyboard buffer and does not clear this buffer after use, which allows local users to obtain sensitive information by reading the physical memory locations associated with this buffer.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/08/2018
The vulnerability described in CVE-2008-3900 represents a critical security flaw in Intel firmware version PE94510M.86A.0050.2007.0710.1559 affecting the BIOS Keyboard buffer implementation. This issue stems from improper memory management during the pre-boot authentication process where sensitive password information remains accessible in physical memory locations long after the authentication sequence has completed. The flaw demonstrates a fundamental failure in the firmware's handling of sensitive data, creating an information disclosure risk that directly violates established security principles for credential protection.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the BIOS keyboard buffer maintaining authentication credentials in a manner that fails to properly clear memory segments after use. When pre-boot authentication occurs, the system stores password data in the keyboard buffer, but fails to explicitly overwrite or zero out these memory locations. This design flaw creates a persistent exposure window where local attackers with physical access to the system can directly read memory locations containing the buffered authentication data. The vulnerability specifically affects systems utilizing Intel's 945 chipset family and demonstrates poor adherence to secure coding practices for memory management and credential handling.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, creating potential attack vectors for privilege escalation and credential compromise. Local attackers with physical access can exploit this weakness to obtain pre-boot authentication passwords, which may provide access to system-level functions, encrypted data, or other sensitive system resources. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-254, which addresses security weaknesses related to improper handling of sensitive data, and represents a classic example of insecure memory management that could enable attackers to bypass authentication mechanisms. The flaw particularly impacts systems where pre-boot authentication is used for disk encryption or system-level access controls, making it a significant concern for enterprise and government deployments.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate firmware updates from Intel to address the buffer clearing implementation, though users should also implement additional protective measures including physical security controls, disk encryption, and monitoring for unauthorized physical access. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper memory management in firmware environments and highlights the need for comprehensive security testing of pre-boot environments. Organizations should consider implementing hardware-based security measures such as Trusted Platform Modules and ensuring that all firmware components properly clear sensitive data from memory locations. This issue also underscores the necessity of adhering to ATT&CK framework concepts related to privilege escalation and credential access through memory analysis techniques.