CVE-2020-0524 in Ethernet I210 Controller
Summary
by MITRE • 02/17/2021
Improper default permissions in the firmware for the Intel(R) Ethernet I210 Controller series of network adapters before version 3.30 may allow an authenticated 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-2020-0524 affects the Intel Ethernet I210 Controller series network adapters and represents a critical flaw in firmware implementation that undermines system security through improper default permissions. This issue specifically targets the firmware components responsible for managing network adapter functionality and access controls, creating a pathway for authenticated users to exploit local system resources. The vulnerability exists in firmware versions prior to 3.30, indicating that manufacturers and system administrators must ensure proper firmware updates are deployed across affected deployments to maintain security integrity. The flaw manifests as insufficient access control mechanisms within the firmware that fail to properly restrict user privileges, particularly when operating in local contexts where authentication has already been established.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the firmware's failure to enforce proper permission boundaries for critical system resources and configuration parameters. When an authenticated user accesses the network adapter through legitimate means, the flawed firmware does not adequately validate or restrict the user's ability to manipulate underlying system components that should remain protected from local modification. This misconfiguration creates a potential for privilege escalation and resource manipulation that can result in denial of service conditions. The vulnerability operates at the firmware level, meaning that standard operating system security controls may not be sufficient to prevent exploitation, as the flaw exists within the lower-level system components that control hardware behavior. The specific nature of the flaw suggests that the firmware lacks proper access control lists or permission models that would normally prevent authenticated users from executing destructive operations on system resources.
The operational impact of CVE-2020-0524 extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios to potentially compromise entire network infrastructure deployments. An attacker with local access can leverage this vulnerability to disrupt network connectivity, manipulate network configurations, or cause system instability that affects business operations. The local access requirement means that the vulnerability is not directly exploitable from external networks, but it does represent a significant risk in environments where local system access is not properly controlled or where users have legitimate access that could be compromised. This vulnerability particularly affects enterprise environments where network adapters are deployed in critical infrastructure components, as the potential for disruption increases with the number of affected devices. The impact is further amplified when considering that network adapters are fundamental components in modern computing systems, and their compromise can affect multiple layers of network security and communication protocols.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-0524 must focus on firmware updates and access control hardening to address the root cause of the vulnerability. Organizations should immediately prioritize updating all affected Intel Ethernet I210 Controller firmware to version 3.30 or later, which contains the necessary permission controls to prevent unauthorized access to system resources. Additionally, system administrators should implement strict access control policies that limit local system access to authorized personnel only, reducing the attack surface for potential exploitation. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-284 which addresses improper access control, and represents a specific implementation failure in firmware security controls that should be addressed through proper security testing and validation. From an operational security perspective, implementing network segmentation and monitoring for unauthorized access attempts can help detect potential exploitation attempts. The remediation process should also include comprehensive testing of firmware updates to ensure that security enhancements do not introduce compatibility issues or system instability. Organizations should consider this vulnerability in their broader security posture assessments, particularly when evaluating network infrastructure security and implementing defense-in-depth strategies that address multiple attack vectors.