CVE-2017-3198 in BRIX UEFI Firmware
Summary
by MITRE
GIGABYTE BRIX UEFI firmware does not cryptographically validate images prior to updating the system firmware. Additionally, the firmware updates are served over HTTP. An attacker can make arbitrary modifications to firmware images without being detected.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/27/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-3198 affects GIGABYTE BRIX systems that utilize UEFI firmware for their platform boot process. This weakness resides in the firmware update mechanism where cryptographic validation is absent during the firmware installation process. The absence of proper cryptographic verification creates a critical security gap that allows malicious actors to modify firmware images without detection. The vulnerability specifically impacts systems that rely on UEFI firmware for bootstrapping and system initialization, making it particularly concerning for enterprise and industrial deployments where system integrity is paramount.
The technical flaw stems from the firmware update implementation that fails to verify the authenticity and integrity of firmware images before installation. This cryptographic validation gap means that any firmware image can be replaced regardless of its source or legitimacy. The vulnerability is compounded by the fact that firmware updates are transmitted over unencrypted HTTP connections, which exposes the update process to man-in-the-middle attacks and allows for passive monitoring of update traffic. This combination of weak cryptographic validation and insecure transmission protocols creates an attack surface where adversaries can substitute legitimate firmware with malicious versions without triggering any security alerts or validation mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple firmware modification capabilities, as it fundamentally undermines the security model of UEFI-based systems. Attackers can potentially install backdoors, modify boot processes, or introduce persistent malware that survives operating system reinstallation. This type of attack falls under the ATT&CK technique T1014 - Rootkit, where adversaries establish persistence at the firmware level, making detection extremely difficult. The vulnerability affects the integrity and authenticity of the system's boot process, which can lead to complete system compromise and data exfiltration. Organizations using affected GIGABYTE BRIX systems face significant risk of supply chain attacks where malicious firmware updates can be injected into the system boot chain, potentially affecting multiple systems simultaneously.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing cryptographic validation for firmware updates and transitioning from HTTP to secure HTTPS protocols for firmware distribution. System administrators should consider disabling automatic firmware updates where possible and implement manual verification processes that include cryptographic signature validation. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-310 - Cryptographic Issues, specifically addressing weaknesses in cryptographic validation and key management. Organizations should also consider implementing firmware integrity monitoring solutions that can detect unauthorized modifications to system firmware. Additionally, network segmentation and monitoring of firmware update traffic can help detect anomalous behavior that might indicate an attack attempt. The remediation process should include updating to firmware versions that implement proper cryptographic validation and secure update mechanisms, while also establishing policies for firmware update verification and secure distribution channels.