CVE-2017-5685 in NUC
Summary
by MITRE
The BIOS in Intel NUC systems based on 6th Gen Intel Core processors prior to version KY0045 may allow may allow an attacker with physical access to the system to gain access to personal information.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/25/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-5685 represents a critical security flaw in the firmware implementation of Intel Next Unit of Computing (NUC) systems. These systems utilize 6th Generation Intel Core processors and were affected by a weakness in their BIOS firmware that could be exploited by adversaries with physical access to the device. The vulnerability stems from insufficient protection mechanisms within the system's firmware layer, creating a potential attack surface that adversaries could leverage to extract sensitive personal information from affected devices.
This flaw operates at the firmware level, specifically within the Basic Input/Output System that initializes and tests hardware components during system boot. The vulnerability allows an attacker with physical access to perform unauthorized operations that bypass normal security controls typically enforced at higher software layers. The issue manifests when the BIOS fails to properly validate or restrict access to sensitive system information, potentially enabling extraction of data through direct firmware manipulation or exploitation of inadequate access controls. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects systems that are often deployed in environments where physical security may not be strictly controlled, such as in corporate offices, homes, or public spaces.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft, as it represents a fundamental failure in the security architecture of these systems. Attackers with physical access could potentially extract personal information including but not limited to user credentials, encryption keys, system configurations, and other sensitive data stored within the device's memory or firmware. The attack vector requires physical access to the system, which means that while the attack surface is limited to devices that can be physically compromised, this still represents a significant risk in environments where device security cannot be guaranteed. The vulnerability affects multiple Intel NUC systems and could potentially impact a wide range of users and organizations that rely on these compact computing platforms.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on firmware updates and physical security measures. System administrators and users should immediately apply the firmware update released by Intel, specifically version KY0045 or later, which addresses the identified security weakness. The update should be applied to all affected Intel NUC systems to ensure proper BIOS protection mechanisms are in place. Additionally, organizations should implement physical security controls to prevent unauthorized access to computing devices, particularly in environments where sensitive information is processed or stored. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which describes inadequate access control mechanisms, and relates to ATT&CK technique T1004, which involves system firmware modification. The remediation process involves careful verification of firmware versions and implementation of proper update procedures to ensure complete protection against this class of attack.