VDB-9808 · OSVDB 95821 · GCVE-100-9808

Lenovo PC Backdoor improper authentication ⚔ [Disputed]

CVSS Meta Temp Score
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Current Exploit Price (≈)
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CTI Interest Score
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7.3$0-$5k0.00

Summaryinfo

A vulnerability categorized as critical has been discovered in Lenovo PC. The impacted element is an unknown function of the component Backdoor. Executing a manipulation can lead to improper authentication. In addition, an exploit is available. This vulnerability has a historic impact due to its background and reception. The actual existence of this vulnerability is currently in question. It is advisable to use an alternative in place of the affected component.

Detailsinfo

A vulnerability was found in Lenovo PC (affected version unknown). It has been declared as critical. This vulnerability affects an unknown functionality of the component Backdoor. The manipulation with an unknown input leads to a improper authentication vulnerability. The CWE definition for the vulnerability is CWE-287. When an actor claims to have a given identity, the product does not prove or insufficiently proves that the claim is correct. As an impact it is known to affect confidentiality, integrity, and availability.

The weakness was presented 07/26/2013 as Spy agencies ban Lenovo PCs on security concerns as not defined news (Website). The advisory is shared for download at afr.com. The public release happened without coordination with the vendor. The news contains:

Lenovo, which is headquartered in Beijing, acquired IBM’s PC business in 2005. IBM continues to sell servers and mainframes that are accredited for secret and top-secret networks. A Defence spokesman said Lenovo had never sought accreditation.
The attack can be initiated remotely. No form of authentication is required for a successful exploitation. Technical details are unknown but a private exploit is available. The current price for an exploit might be approx. USD $0-$5k (estimation calculated on 03/19/2019). This vulnerability has a historic impact due to its background and reception. The advisory points out:
Computers manufactured by the world’s biggest personal computer maker, Lenovo, have been banned from the “secret” and ‘‘top secret” ­networks of the intelligence and defence services of Australia, the US, Britain, Canada, and New Zealand, because of concerns they are vulnerable to being hacked. (…) The ban was introduced in the mid-2000s after intensive laboratory testing of its equipment allegedly documented “back-door” hardware and “firmware” vulnerabilities in Lenovo chips.

It is declared as functional. The real existence of this vulnerability is still doubted at the moment.

The problem might be mitigated by replacing the product with as an alternative. The news contains the following remark:

In 2006 it was disclosed that the US State Department had decided not to use 16,000 new Lenovo computers on classified networks because of security concerns. The change in procurement policy was attributed to anti-China trade sentiment after ­Lenovo’s acquisition of IBM’s PC business. Some experts argue that blocking specific companies from classified networks is not a panacea for security threats given the global nature of supply chains. Many western vendors have semiconductor fabrication plants, or “foundries”, based in China, which exposes them to the risk of interference.

The vulnerability is also documented in the vulnerability database at OSVDB (95821†). Additional details are provided at thenextweb.com. VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.

Productinfo

Vendor

Name

License

Website

CPE 2.3info

CPE 2.2info

CVSSv4info

VulDB Vector: 🔍
VulDB Reliability: 🔍

CVSSv3info

VulDB Meta Base Score: 8.1
VulDB Meta Temp Score: 7.3

VulDB Base Score: 8.1
VulDB Temp Score: 7.3
VulDB Vector: 🔍
VulDB Reliability: 🔍

CVSSv2info

AVACAuCIA
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💳💳💳💳💳💳
💳💳💳💳💳💳
VectorComplexityAuthenticationConfidentialityIntegrityAvailability
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VulDB Base Score: 🔍
VulDB Temp Score: 🔍
VulDB Reliability: 🔍

Exploitinginfo

Class: Improper authentication
CWE: CWE-287
CAPEC: 🔍
ATT&CK: 🔍

Physical: No
Local: No
Remote: Yes

Availability: 🔍
Access: Private
Status: Functional
Price Prediction: 🔍
Current Price Estimation: 🔍

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Threat Intelligenceinfo

Interest: 🔍
Active Actors: 🔍
Active APT Groups: 🔍

Countermeasuresinfo

Recommended: Alternative
Status: 🔍

0-Day Time: 🔍

Timelineinfo

07/26/2013 🔍
07/31/2013 +5 days 🔍
03/19/2019 +2057 days 🔍

Sourcesinfo

Vendor: lenovo.com

Advisory: Spy agencies ban Lenovo PCs on security concerns
Status: Not defined
Disputed: 🔍

GCVE (VulDB): GCVE-100-9808
OSVDB: 95821

scip Labs: https://www.scip.ch/en/?labs.20161013
Misc.: 🔍

Entryinfo

Created: 07/31/2013 15:14
Updated: 03/19/2019 21:08
Changes: 07/31/2013 15:14 (48), 03/19/2019 21:08 (1)
Complete: 🔍
Cache ID: 216:30E:103

VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.

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