CVE-2021-0095 in Intel
Summary
by MITRE • 06/10/2021
Improper initialization in the firmware for some Intel(R) Processors may allow a privileged user to potentially enable a denial of service via local access.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/12/2021
This vulnerability resides in the firmware component of certain Intel processors, specifically addressing improper initialization during the boot process. The flaw represents a critical weakness in the processor's firmware implementation that could be exploited by a privileged user with local access to the system. The vulnerability stems from inadequate initialization of processor states or registers during the firmware initialization phase, creating potential entry points for malicious actors who possess elevated privileges on the affected system. According to the Common Weakness Enumeration framework, this corresponds to CWE-665 Improper Initialization, which falls under the broader category of software weaknesses that can lead to unpredictable behavior and security risks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows a malicious privileged user to manipulate the processor's firmware state in ways that could result in system instability or complete denial of service conditions. When the firmware fails to properly initialize critical processor components, it creates scenarios where normal system operations may fail or become unpredictable. This improper initialization could affect various processor subsystems including cache management, memory controllers, or execution units that require proper firmware setup before they can function correctly. The local access requirement means that exploitation typically necessitates either physical access to the machine or the ability to execute code with administrative privileges, though the impact extends beyond simple privilege escalation to system availability.
The operational impact of this vulnerability manifests primarily as potential denial of service conditions that could compromise system reliability and availability. A successful exploitation could cause the affected processor to enter an inconsistent state where normal operations fail, leading to system crashes, hangs, or complete system unresponsiveness. This type of vulnerability is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where system uptime is critical, as it could be leveraged to disrupt business operations or compromise service availability. The vulnerability affects systems that utilize specific Intel processor models and firmware implementations, making it a targeted issue that requires careful assessment of affected hardware configurations.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on firmware updates provided by Intel, which address the improper initialization issues through corrected firmware implementations. System administrators should prioritize applying the latest firmware patches and BIOS updates from Intel to remediate this vulnerability. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and privilege management can help reduce the attack surface by limiting local access to systems that might be vulnerable. Network segmentation and monitoring solutions can provide early detection of potential exploitation attempts, while maintaining detailed system logs can aid in forensic analysis if the vulnerability is successfully exploited. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under privilege escalation techniques, where attackers leverage system-level access to manipulate firmware components and cause availability issues. Organizations should also consider implementing hardware-based security features such as Intel Trusted Execution Technology and Secure Boot mechanisms to provide additional protection layers against firmware-level attacks.