CVE-2020-12376 in Server Boards
Summary
by MITRE • 02/17/2021
Use of hard-coded key in the BMC firmware for some Intel(R) Server Boards, Server Systems and Compute Modules before version 2.47 may allow authenticated user to potentially enable information disclosure via local access.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/02/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-12376 represents a critical security flaw within the Baseboard Management Controller firmware of various Intel server products. This issue stems from the improper implementation of cryptographic key management where a hard-coded key is embedded within the firmware code. The BMC firmware serves as a critical component for out-of-band system management, providing remote monitoring and control capabilities for servers. When a hard-coded key is present, it fundamentally undermines the security model by creating a universal access point that bypasses normal authentication mechanisms. The vulnerability affects Intel server boards, systems, and compute modules prior to firmware version 2.47, indicating that this flaw has been present for an extended period, potentially exposing numerous deployments to risk.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through local access by authenticated users who can leverage the hard-coded key to gain unauthorized access to sensitive system information. This represents a classic example of poor cryptographic key management practices that aligns with CWE-321, which addresses the use of hard-coded cryptographic keys. The flaw allows for information disclosure rather than direct system compromise, but the implications remain severe as BMC firmware typically contains extensive system configuration data, sensor readings, user credentials, and other sensitive operational parameters. Attackers with local access can utilize this hard-coded key to extract confidential information that would normally be protected by proper authentication mechanisms, effectively bypassing the intended security boundaries of the management interface.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risk for enterprise environments where server management systems are critical infrastructure components. The local access requirement means that an attacker must first establish physical or network access to the target system, but once achieved, the hard-coded key provides a persistent backdoor into the BMC management interface. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078.004, which covers valid accounts used for persistence, as the hard-coded key essentially provides a legitimate credential that can be used to maintain access. The impact extends beyond simple information disclosure, as BMC interfaces often contain sensitive data about system configuration, user access controls, and operational parameters that could be leveraged for further attacks or system compromise. Organizations with multiple affected systems face the challenge of identifying all impacted devices and applying firmware updates across their infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-12376 primarily focus on firmware updates from Intel, specifically targeting versions 2.47 and later where the hard-coded key has been removed or properly managed. System administrators should prioritize patching all affected server deployments as a high-priority security measure, particularly in environments where physical security controls may be inadequate. Additional protective measures include implementing strict physical access controls for server infrastructure, monitoring BMC network traffic for unusual activity, and conducting regular security assessments of management interfaces. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper key management practices and demonstrates why cryptographic keys should never be embedded within firmware code. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation for BMC interfaces to limit access to only authorized management systems and establish monitoring protocols for unauthorized access attempts to the management interface. Compliance with industry standards such as NIST SP 800-53 and ISO 27001 becomes critical in addressing such vulnerabilities through proper configuration management and access control policies.