CVE-2017-5722 in NUC7i3BNK
Summary
by MITRE
Incorrect policy enforcement in system firmware for Intel NUC7i3BNK, NUC7i3BNH, NUC7i5BNK, NUC7i5BNH, NUC7i7BNH versions BN0049 and below allows attackers with local or physical access to bypass enforcement of integrity protections via manipulation of firmware storage.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/16/2021
This vulnerability resides in the firmware implementation of specific Intel NUC (Next Unit of Computing) platforms including models NUC7i3BNK, NUC7i3BNH, NUC7i5BNK, NUC7i5BNH, and NUC7i7BNH with firmware versions BN0049 and earlier. The issue stems from inadequate policy enforcement mechanisms within the system firmware that govern how integrity protections are maintained. These systems utilize Intel's firmware-based security features that are designed to prevent unauthorized modifications to critical system components and ensure the authenticity of firmware updates. The vulnerability represents a fundamental flaw in the firmware's access control implementation where proper validation checks fail to prevent malicious manipulation of firmware storage areas.
The technical flaw manifests when attackers with either local or physical access exploit weaknesses in the firmware's integrity protection mechanisms. This allows them to bypass the established security policies that should normally prevent unauthorized modifications to firmware components. The vulnerability specifically targets the firmware storage areas where system-critical components reside, enabling attackers to manipulate these regions without proper authorization. The flaw operates at the firmware level rather than at the operating system or application layer, making it particularly dangerous as it can affect the fundamental security guarantees provided by the platform. This type of vulnerability is classified under CWE-284 Access Control Issues, specifically related to improper access control in firmware implementations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it compromises the fundamental integrity of the system's boot process and firmware components. Attackers can potentially install malicious firmware modifications that persist across reboots and system updates, creating persistent backdoors or enabling more sophisticated attacks such as rootkit installations. The vulnerability affects systems that rely on firmware-based security features like Intel's Platform Trust Technology or similar integrity protection mechanisms. Given that the affected NUC models are commonly used in enterprise environments and by individuals who may not be security-savvy, the potential for exploitation is significant. The attack vector requires either local access or physical presence, but these requirements are often met in environments where these devices are deployed.
Mitigation strategies must address both immediate remediation and long-term architectural improvements to prevent similar issues. Organizations should immediately update to firmware versions that resolve this vulnerability, specifically targeting firmware releases that are version BN0050 or later for the affected models. System administrators should implement robust firmware integrity monitoring solutions that can detect unauthorized modifications to firmware components. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper firmware security practices and adherence to security standards such as those outlined in the NIST Cybersecurity Framework. Additionally, implementing hardware-based security features like Intel's Trusted Execution Technology or similar platform security features can provide additional layers of protection against such firmware-level attacks. Organizations should also consider regular firmware audits and implement secure boot processes that validate firmware integrity during system initialization. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical need for comprehensive firmware security testing and validation processes that are integrated into the development lifecycle rather than treated as an afterthought.