CVE-2020-0522 in Ethernet I210 Controller
Summary
by MITRE • 02/17/2021
Improper initialization in the firmware for the Intel(R) Ethernet I210 Controller series of network adapters before version 3.30 may allow a privileged user to potentially enable denial of service via local access.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/02/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-0522 affects the Intel Ethernet I210 Controller series network adapters and represents a critical flaw in firmware initialization processes. This issue specifically targets devices operating with firmware versions prior to 3.30, creating a potential attack vector that could be exploited by privileged users with local access to the system. The vulnerability stems from inadequate initialization of critical firmware components during the boot process, which can lead to unpredictable system behavior and operational instability.
The technical flaw manifests in the improper handling of memory initialization and resource allocation within the firmware layer of these network controllers. When firmware initializes without proper validation of system states, it creates conditions where malicious or unauthorized privileged users can manipulate the firmware environment to cause system disruptions. This particular weakness falls under the broader category of improper initialization flaws that are commonly classified as CWE-665, which encompasses insufficient initialization of a resource that can lead to various security vulnerabilities. The vulnerability enables a local privileged user to potentially trigger a denial of service condition by exploiting the uninitialized firmware components, effectively disrupting network connectivity and system functionality.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to enterprise networks and infrastructure security. Network administrators and system operators using affected Intel I210 controllers may experience unexpected service interruptions, network outages, or complete loss of network functionality. The local access requirement means that attackers must already have elevated privileges within the system, but this does not diminish the severity since privileged access often represents a critical security boundary that, when compromised, can lead to broader system exploitation. The vulnerability can be particularly problematic in environments where network reliability is paramount, such as data centers, industrial control systems, or mission-critical infrastructure where even brief network outages can result in substantial operational and financial consequences.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-0522 primarily focus on firmware updates and system hardening measures. Organizations should immediately update their Intel Ethernet I210 controllers to firmware version 3.30 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the initialization flaws. System administrators should also implement strict access controls and privilege management to minimize the risk of unauthorized privileged users exploiting this vulnerability. Additionally, monitoring systems should be deployed to detect anomalous network behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts. The mitigation approach aligns with ATT&CK framework techniques related to privilege escalation and defense evasion, where maintaining proper firmware integrity and access controls forms a fundamental defensive posture. Network segmentation and least privilege principles should be enforced to limit potential attack surfaces, while regular security assessments should verify that all network components have been properly updated and secured against similar initialization vulnerabilities.