CVE-2020-0549 in Intel
Summary
by MITRE
Cleanup errors in some data cache evictions for some Intel(R) Processors may allow an authenticated user to potentially enable information disclosure via local access.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/28/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-0549 represents a critical flaw in the data cache management mechanisms of certain Intel processors, specifically affecting how cache eviction operations are handled during system cleanup processes. This issue stems from improper handling of cache entries when the processor performs routine maintenance tasks, creating potential pathways for unauthorized information exposure. The vulnerability impacts Intel processors that implement specific cache architectures and memory management protocols, particularly those utilizing advanced caching strategies that may not properly validate or secure cache state transitions during eviction operations.
Technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through authenticated local access, meaning that an attacker must first establish a legitimate user session on the target system before attempting to leverage the cache cleanup flaw. The underlying mechanism involves race conditions and improper synchronization during cache eviction sequences where stale or improperly managed cache entries may retain sensitive data beyond their intended lifespan. This creates opportunities for information disclosure attacks where cached data from one user or process could potentially be accessed by another user or process, violating fundamental security principles of data isolation and confidentiality. The flaw typically manifests when the processor's cache management unit fails to properly invalidate or secure cache entries during cleanup operations, allowing for potential data leakage through cache side channels.
The operational impact of CVE-2020-0549 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can enable more sophisticated attacks including privilege escalation and lateral movement within compromised systems. Attackers can potentially exploit this vulnerability to extract sensitive information from memory caches, including cryptographic keys, passwords, or other confidential data that may be cached for performance optimization. This vulnerability particularly affects multi-user environments where different processes or users share the same processor resources, as cache entries from one user session could potentially be accessed by another. The implications are especially severe in enterprise environments where sensitive data processing occurs on shared hardware platforms, as this flaw could enable unauthorized access to confidential information without requiring elevated privileges or complex attack vectors.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-0549 primarily involve applying firmware and microcode updates provided by Intel to address the specific cache management implementation flaws. System administrators should prioritize patching affected Intel processors, particularly those in server and workstation environments where sensitive data processing occurs. Additional mitigations include implementing strict access controls and monitoring for unauthorized local access attempts, as well as deploying cache isolation techniques that prevent cross-process cache contamination. Organizations should also consider implementing memory sanitization routines and regular cache clearing operations to minimize the window of opportunity for exploitation. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-129, which addresses improper handling of cache invalidation operations, and may be leveraged in attacks categorized under ATT&CK technique T1005 for data hijacking or T1059 for privilege escalation through local system access. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should include verification of patch compliance and monitoring for signs of cache-based information leakage.