CVE-2023-29494 in NUC
Summary
by MITRE • 08/11/2023
Improper input validation in BIOS firmware for some Intel(R) NUCs may allow a privileged user to potentially enable escalation of privilege via local access.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/08/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-29494 represents a critical weakness in the firmware layer of certain Intel NUC (Next Unit of Computing) devices, specifically within their BIOS implementation. This flaw stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize or verify data received during firmware operations. The vulnerability affects systems where the BIOS firmware does not adequately enforce boundaries on user inputs, creating potential attack vectors for malicious actors with local access privileges. The affected Intel NUC models typically include various configurations of the compact computing platforms that are widely deployed in enterprise and consumer environments, making this vulnerability particularly concerning due to the widespread use of these devices.
The technical nature of this vulnerability resides in the BIOS firmware's failure to implement robust input validation controls during privileged operations. When a user with local access attempts to interact with firmware functions, the system does not properly validate the integrity or legitimacy of the input parameters. This weakness allows for potential manipulation of firmware behavior through crafted inputs that could bypass normal security controls. The vulnerability is classified as a privilege escalation issue because it enables a local user to elevate their privileges within the system's firmware environment. According to CWE classification, this represents a weakness in input validation, specifically CWE-20, which covers "Improper Input Validation" and falls under the broader category of software quality issues that can lead to security exploits.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-29494 extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it creates opportunities for attackers to gain deeper system control through firmware-level access. A successful exploitation could allow an attacker with local access to manipulate critical system functions, potentially leading to persistent backdoors, system compromise, or even complete device takeover. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that many NUC devices operate in environments where physical access is possible, such as office spaces, data centers, or public locations. The vulnerability could be leveraged in combination with other attack vectors, potentially enabling more sophisticated attacks that target the firmware layer directly. This aligns with ATT&CK framework techniques such as T1068, which involves the use of local system privileges to escalate access, and T1542, which covers "Pre-OS Boot" techniques that target firmware and boot processes.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-29494 should prioritize immediate firmware updates from Intel, as these patches typically address the input validation gaps in the affected BIOS implementations. Organizations should also implement strict physical security controls around NUC devices to prevent unauthorized local access, particularly in sensitive environments. Network segmentation and monitoring solutions can help detect anomalous behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts. The remediation process should include comprehensive inventory management to identify all affected NUC devices within the organization, followed by coordinated patch deployment and validation. Security teams should also consider implementing firmware integrity monitoring solutions that can detect unauthorized modifications to the BIOS. Additional defensive measures include disabling unnecessary firmware interfaces, enforcing strong access controls, and establishing incident response procedures specifically tailored to firmware-level threats. Organizations should also review their supply chain security practices to ensure that firmware updates are properly validated before deployment, as this vulnerability could potentially be exploited through malicious firmware updates. The vulnerability underscores the critical importance of firmware security in modern computing environments and the need for comprehensive security strategies that extend beyond traditional operating system protections to include hardware and firmware layers.