CVE-2020-8700 in Intel
Summary
by MITRE • 06/10/2021
Improper input validation in the firmware for some Intel(R) Processors may allow a privileged user to potentially enable escalation of privilege via local access.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/12/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-8700 represents a critical flaw in the firmware implementation of certain Intel processors that could be exploited to facilitate privilege escalation. This issue stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the processor firmware, specifically affecting systems that utilize Intel's processor architecture. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires only local access from a privileged user, meaning an attacker who already possesses some level of system access could potentially leverage this weakness to gain elevated privileges. The flaw resides in the firmware layer of the processor, which operates at a low level within the system architecture and is responsible for managing core processor functions including power management, thermal control, and security features.
From a technical perspective, the vulnerability manifests when the processor firmware fails to properly validate input parameters during specific operational sequences. This improper validation creates opportunities for malicious code or crafted inputs to manipulate the processor's behavior in ways that were not intended by the original design. The vulnerability falls under the CWE-20 category of "Improper Input Validation" which is a fundamental security weakness that occurs when software does not properly validate or sanitize input data before processing it. The specific nature of this flaw in the processor firmware means that it operates below the operating system level, making detection and mitigation particularly challenging. Attackers could potentially exploit this weakness to execute code with higher privileges than originally intended, effectively bypassing traditional security controls that rely on proper privilege boundaries.
The operational impact of CVE-2020-8700 extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it represents a fundamental weakness in the processor's security architecture that could enable more sophisticated attacks. A successful exploitation could allow an attacker to access sensitive system resources, modify critical firmware components, or potentially establish persistent backdoors within the system. This vulnerability particularly affects systems where the processor firmware is responsible for managing security-related functions such as memory protection, code execution controls, and access restrictions. The local access requirement means that the attacker must already have some level of system presence, but this could be achieved through various attack vectors including phishing, social engineering, or initial compromise through other vulnerabilities. The impact is significant because the processor firmware operates at the most fundamental level of system security, making this a critical weakness in the overall security posture.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-8700 should focus on both firmware updates and system hardening measures. Intel has released firmware updates to address this vulnerability, and system administrators should prioritize applying these patches to affected processors. Additionally, implementing strict access controls and monitoring for unusual privilege escalation attempts can help detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with several ATT&CK techniques including privilege escalation and defense evasion, as attackers may attempt to modify firmware components to maintain persistent access. Organizations should also consider implementing firmware integrity checking mechanisms and establishing robust patch management procedures to ensure timely deployment of security updates. The remediation process requires careful consideration of the potential impact on system stability and performance, as firmware updates may introduce compatibility issues or require system restarts. Security teams should also monitor for any indicators of compromise related to privilege escalation activities and maintain detailed logs of system access and privilege changes to facilitate incident response activities.