CVE-2021-0154 in Intel
Summary
by MITRE • 05/12/2022
Improper input validation in the BIOS firmware for some Intel(R) Processors may allow a privileged user to potentially enable aescalation of privilege via local access.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/15/2022
This vulnerability resides within the firmware layer of intel processors, specifically affecting the basic input/output system that governs low-level hardware operations during system boot. The flaw stems from inadequate validation of input parameters within the bios firmware implementation, creating a potential pathway for malicious actors with local administrative access to escalate their privileges. The vulnerability is categorized under cwe-20, which represents improper input validation, a fundamental weakness that allows attackers to manipulate system behavior through malformed or unvalidated data inputs. The bios firmware serves as a critical foundation for system security, controlling hardware initialization and maintaining system integrity during boot processes, making it a prime target for privilege escalation attacks.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires a privileged user with local access to the affected system, typically someone with administrative or root-level permissions. Attackers can leverage this flaw by crafting specific inputs that bypass the firmware validation checks, potentially allowing them to modify critical system parameters or execute unauthorized code within the firmware environment. This type of attack aligns with the attack technique t1068, which involves exploiting weaknesses in the system to gain elevated privileges, and represents a sophisticated approach to firmware-based attacks that can bypass traditional operating system security controls. The vulnerability essentially creates a backdoor within the hardware abstraction layer, where legitimate administrative functions can be subverted to achieve unauthorized privilege elevation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it fundamentally undermines the security model of the affected systems. When successfully exploited, the attacker can potentially gain access to system-level functions that should be restricted to authorized administrators only, including the ability to modify firmware settings, access sensitive hardware components, or establish persistent access mechanisms. This represents a critical security gap because firmware-level attacks are notoriously difficult to detect and remediate, as they operate below the operating system layer and may not be visible to conventional security monitoring tools. The vulnerability affects systems that rely on intel processors with specific firmware implementations, creating widespread potential impact across various computing environments including servers, workstations, and embedded systems.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require a multi-layered approach focusing on both firmware updates and operational security measures. System administrators should immediately apply the latest firmware updates provided by intel and hardware vendors to address the input validation gaps in the bios implementation. Additionally, implementing strict access controls and monitoring for unusual administrative activities can help detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of firmware security as outlined in the mitre attack framework, where the attack surface extends beyond traditional software boundaries into the hardware layer. Organizations should also consider implementing firmware integrity checking mechanisms and regular security assessments of their embedded systems to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being exploited in the future.