CVE-2012-5218 in ElitePad
Summary
by MITRE
HP ElitePad 900 PCs with BIOS F.0x before F.01 Update 1.0.0.8 do not enable the Secure Boot feature, which allows local users to bypass intended BIOS restrictions and boot unintended operating systems via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/25/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-5218 affects HP ElitePad 900 tablet computers running specific BIOS versions prior to F.01 Update 1.0.0.8. This represents a critical security flaw in the device's firmware implementation that directly impacts the system's ability to enforce secure boot policies. The issue stems from the absence of Secure Boot functionality within the BIOS configuration, creating a fundamental weakness in the device's boot process security mechanism.
Secure Boot is a security standard defined by the UEFI Forum that prevents unauthorized code from executing during the boot process by verifying digital signatures of bootloaders and operating system components. When this feature remains disabled or unimplemented, attackers can exploit the system's boot sequence to load malicious code or unauthorized operating systems. The vulnerability specifically targets the BIOS implementation where Secure Boot should be enabled but is either missing or disabled, creating an attack surface that allows local users to bypass intended security restrictions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it allows local users to circumvent the device's intended security policies and potentially gain unauthorized access to the system. This weakness enables attackers to install malicious bootloaders or alternative operating systems that could compromise the entire device. The unspecified vectors mentioned in the description suggest that multiple attack methods could be employed, including but not limited to loading unsigned drivers, installing rootkits, or executing arbitrary code during the boot process. This vulnerability essentially undermines the device's trust model and creates a persistent security risk that could be exploited for privilege escalation or system compromise.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-1107, which addresses the lack of proper secure boot implementation in firmware environments. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that local users can exploit this weakness without requiring network connectivity or remote access capabilities. The vulnerability also maps to several ATT&CK techniques including T1012 (Build Image on Host) and T1068 (Local Privilege Escalation) as it provides a pathway for attackers to establish persistence and execute malicious code with elevated privileges. Organizations deploying these devices should consider the broader implications of firmware-level security weaknesses and implement additional monitoring for unauthorized boot modifications.
The recommended mitigation strategy involves applying the official BIOS update F.01 Update 1.0.0.8 from HP to enable Secure Boot functionality. Additionally, organizations should implement firmware integrity monitoring solutions to detect unauthorized changes to the BIOS configuration. Regular security assessments should include verification of Secure Boot status and firmware version compliance. Network administrators should also consider implementing device authentication mechanisms and monitoring for suspicious boot behavior that could indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of firmware security in mobile computing devices and highlights the necessity of keeping all system components updated to maintain comprehensive security postures against evolving threats.