Description Preview
CVE-2020-12380 is an out of bounds read vulnerability (CWE-125) affecting the Baseboard Management Controller (BMC) firmware for certain Intel Server Boards, Server Systems, and Compute Modules running firmware versions prior to 2.47. This vulnerability allows an authenticated user with local access to potentially escalate privileges by exploiting the out of bounds read condition. The issue could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive information or enable attackers to gain elevated permissions on affected systems.
Overview
This vulnerability affects the BMC firmware which is a specialized microcontroller dedicated to monitoring and managing the physical state of computer or server hardware. The out of bounds read vulnerability occurs when the firmware accesses memory locations outside the intended boundaries, potentially exposing sensitive information. Since the BMC has privileged access to hardware components, exploiting this vulnerability could allow an attacker who already has authenticated access to gain elevated privileges on the system. The vulnerability requires local access to exploit, which somewhat limits the attack surface, but remains serious for data center environments where multiple users might have access to server systems.
Remediation
To address this vulnerability, system administrators should:
- Update the BMC firmware to version 2.47 or later as provided by Intel.
- Follow Intel's recommended update procedures detailed in the security advisory (Intel-SA-00434).
- Implement proper access controls to limit local access to server hardware.
- Monitor system logs for any suspicious activities that might indicate exploitation attempts.
- Consider network isolation for BMC interfaces where possible to reduce the attack surface.
- Verify firmware integrity after updates to ensure the patched version is properly installed.
References
- Intel Security Advisory: https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/security-center/advisory/intel-sa-00434.html
- Common Weakness Enumeration: CWE-125 (Out-of-bounds Read)
- MITRE CVE Entry: https://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2020-12380
- Intel BMC Firmware Download Center: https://downloadcenter.intel.com/ (for obtaining updated firmware)
Industry ExposureMost to leastThis section illustrates the prevalence of a specific Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) across various industries based on customer reports. The ranking displays industries from the most to least affected by this particular vulnerability, offering valuable insight into where this CVE has been most frequently observed. This information can help organizations within these sectors prioritize their security efforts, understand their relative risk exposure compared to their peers, and focus remediation strategies where they are most needed. By understanding the industry-specific impact, organizations can make more informed decisions regarding patching, resource allocation, and overall risk management related to this CVE.
This section illustrates the prevalence of a specific Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) across various industries based on customer reports. The ranking displays industries from the most to least affected by this particular vulnerability, offering valuable insight into where this CVE has been most frequently observed. This information can help organizations within these sectors prioritize their security efforts, understand their relative risk exposure compared to their peers, and focus remediation strategies where they are most needed. By understanding the industry-specific impact, organizations can make more informed decisions regarding patching, resource allocation, and overall risk management related to this CVE.
- Accommodation & Food ServicesAccommodation & Food Services
- Administrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation ServicesAdministrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation Services
- Agriculture, Forestry Fishing & HuntingAgriculture, Forestry Fishing & Hunting
- Arts, Entertainment & RecreationArts, Entertainment & Recreation
- ConstructionConstruction
- Educational ServicesEducational Services
- Finance and InsuranceFinance and Insurance
- Health Care & Social AssistanceHealth Care & Social Assistance
- InformationInformation
- Management of Companies & EnterprisesManagement of Companies & Enterprises
- ManufacturingManufacturing
- MiningMining
- Other Services (except Public Administration)Other Services (except Public Administration)
- Professional, Scientific, & Technical ServicesProfessional, Scientific, & Technical Services
- Public AdministrationPublic Administration
- Real Estate Rental & LeasingReal Estate Rental & Leasing
- Retail TradeRetail Trade
- Transportation & WarehousingTransportation & Warehousing
- UtilitiesUtilities
- Wholesale TradeWholesale Trade
