CVE-2016-8106 in Ethernet Controller X710
Summary
by MITRE
A Denial of Service in Intel Ethernet Controller's X710/XL710 with Non-Volatile Memory Images before version 5.05 allows a remote attacker to stop the controller from processing network traffic working under certain network use conditions.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/20/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-8106 represents a critical denial of service flaw affecting Intel Ethernet Controllers X710 and XL710 series that utilize non-volatile memory images. This issue specifically impacts systems where these network controllers operate under certain network usage conditions, creating a potential pathway for remote attackers to disrupt network operations. The vulnerability stems from insufficient validation mechanisms within the controller's firmware handling of non-volatile memory images, which can lead to complete cessation of network traffic processing capabilities. The affected controllers are widely deployed in enterprise networking environments, data centers, and high-performance computing infrastructures where uninterrupted network connectivity is paramount for business operations.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the improper handling of non-volatile memory image updates within the Intel Ethernet Controller firmware architecture. When processing certain malformed or specially crafted non-volatile memory images, the controller's processing logic fails to properly validate input parameters, leading to a state where the network interface becomes unresponsive to incoming traffic. This flaw operates at the firmware level, making it particularly challenging to detect and remediate since it resides below the operating system layer where traditional security controls may not be effective. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-248, which deals with exposure of an exception to the public, as the controller's failure mode exposes a critical system component to remote exploitation without proper error handling mechanisms. The specific conditions under which this vulnerability manifests involve particular combinations of network traffic patterns and memory image characteristics that trigger the controller's internal state machine to enter an unrecoverable failure state.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-8106 extends far beyond simple network disruption, as it can lead to complete network outages in affected systems. In enterprise environments, this vulnerability can result in significant business disruption, particularly in mission-critical applications that depend on continuous network availability. Data center operations may experience cascading failures when multiple network controllers are simultaneously affected, potentially leading to service degradation across entire server clusters. The remote nature of the attack vector means that adversaries can exploit this vulnerability from external network positions without requiring physical access or local system privileges, making it particularly dangerous in environments where network security is paramount. From an adversarial perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1499.004, which focuses on network denial of service attacks, and represents a sophisticated approach to compromising network infrastructure through firmware-level manipulation.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate firmware updates from Intel, as version 5.05 and later contain the necessary patches to address the non-volatile memory image validation issues. System administrators should prioritize updating all affected controllers in their network infrastructure, particularly those deployed in high-availability environments where network downtime could result in significant financial or operational losses. Network segmentation and monitoring solutions should be implemented to detect anomalous traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, as the vulnerability may be triggered through specific traffic sequences that could be monitored for early detection. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing redundant network paths and failover mechanisms to minimize the impact of potential exploitation, as the vulnerability can cause complete network interface failures. The remediation process requires careful planning to avoid service disruption during firmware update procedures, and should include thorough testing in controlled environments before deployment to production systems. Security teams should also monitor for any related vulnerabilities in similar network controller families and maintain updated threat intelligence regarding potential exploitation attempts targeting these network infrastructure components.