CVE-2020-12293 in ThunderBolt
Summary
by MITRE • 06/10/2021
Improper control of a resource through its lifetime in some Intel(R) Thunderbolt(TM) controllers may allow an authenticated user to potentially enable denial of service via local access.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/12/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-12293 affects Intel Thunderbolt controllers and represents a critical weakness in resource management during the device lifecycle. This flaw falls under the category of improper control of a resource through its lifetime, which is categorized as CWE-413 in the Common Weakness Enumeration system. The vulnerability specifically impacts Thunderbolt controllers that fail to properly manage resources throughout their operational period, creating potential attack vectors for malicious actors with local access privileges.
Intel Thunderbolt technology enables high-speed data transfer and device connectivity through a proprietary interface that supports both data and power delivery. The vulnerability manifests when Thunderbolt controllers do not adequately control resource allocation and deallocation during device enumeration and operation phases. This improper resource management allows authenticated users with local access to manipulate the controller's resource handling mechanisms, potentially leading to system instability or complete denial of service conditions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption as it affects the fundamental security model of Thunderbolt-enabled systems. Attackers can exploit this weakness to exhaust system resources, cause controller crashes, or force the system into a state where legitimate devices cannot be properly recognized or utilized. The local access requirement means that an attacker must already have authenticated access to the system, but this privilege escalation is often achievable through various attack vectors including social engineering, physical access, or prior exploitation of other vulnerabilities. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where physical security is compromised or where users have legitimate access to systems.
From an attack perspective, this vulnerability aligns with techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the resource consumption category, specifically targeting system resources that Thunderbolt controllers depend upon for proper operation. The attack surface includes device enumeration processes, power management functions, and resource allocation protocols within the Thunderbolt controller firmware. Security researchers have noted that the vulnerability can be exploited to create persistent denial of service conditions that may require system reboot to resolve, effectively rendering Thunderbolt ports unusable until manual intervention occurs.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-12293 primarily focus on firmware updates provided by Intel and system vendors, which address the resource management flaws in affected Thunderbolt controllers. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management programs to ensure all Thunderbolt-enabled devices receive timely firmware updates. Additionally, system administrators should consider disabling Thunderbolt ports when not in use, implementing strict access controls, and monitoring for unusual resource consumption patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of supply chain security and the need for robust firmware validation processes to prevent similar issues from arising in future Thunderbolt implementations.