CVE-2017-5686 in NUC
Summary
by MITRE
The BIOS in Intel NUC systems based on 6th Gen Intel Core processors prior to version SY0059 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-2017-5686 represents a critical security flaw in the firmware implementation of Intel NUC (Next Unit of Computing) systems that utilize 6th Generation Intel Core processors. This issue specifically affects systems where the BIOS firmware version is prior to SY0059, creating a significant attack surface for adversaries who can physically access the target hardware. The vulnerability stems from insufficient protection mechanisms within the system's firmware layer, which serves as the foundational software that initializes and manages hardware components during system boot processes. When an attacker gains physical access to these vulnerable systems, they can exploit the weak firmware security controls to extract sensitive personal information stored on the device.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the inadequate implementation of firmware security measures within the BIOS firmware of affected Intel NUC systems. The 6th Generation Intel Core processors, while powerful in their computational capabilities, had firmware implementations that failed to properly isolate and protect sensitive data within the system's boot environment. This weakness allows an attacker with physical access to potentially bypass standard security controls and gain unauthorized access to personal information stored on the device. The vulnerability operates at the firmware level, making it particularly dangerous because traditional software-based security measures may not be effective against such low-level attacks. According to CWE classification, this vulnerability corresponds to CWE-254, which describes weaknesses in the implementation of security features, specifically highlighting the absence of proper access control mechanisms within firmware components.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-5686 extends beyond simple data theft, as it represents a fundamental failure in the security architecture of affected systems. Attackers with physical access can potentially extract personal information including but not limited to user credentials, stored files, encrypted data, and system configuration details that may reveal additional attack vectors. The implications are particularly severe for enterprise environments where these systems might be deployed in unsecured locations or where physical security controls are inadequate. The attack vector is straightforward yet highly effective, requiring only physical access to the device, which makes it particularly concerning for mobile or portable computing environments where such access might be more easily obtained. This vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1005, which covers data from local system, and T1014, which addresses rootkit implementation, as the attacker can effectively establish persistent access to the system's core firmware components.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-5686 primarily focus on firmware updates and enhanced physical security measures. The most effective solution involves upgrading the BIOS firmware to version SY0059 or later, which includes the necessary security patches to address the identified weaknesses. System administrators should prioritize immediate firmware updates across all affected Intel NUC systems, particularly those deployed in environments where physical security cannot be guaranteed. Additionally, organizations should implement robust physical access controls, including secure storage areas, environmental monitoring, and strict access protocols for computing devices that may be vulnerable to such attacks. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of firmware security in modern computing environments, as it demonstrates how low-level implementation flaws can create persistent security risks that extend far beyond traditional software vulnerabilities. Organizations should also consider implementing hardware-based security features such as Trusted Platform Modules and secure boot mechanisms to provide additional layers of protection against firmware-level attacks.