Description Preview
Dell Client Commercial and Consumer platforms contain a vulnerability in their BIOS password reset capability. Unauthorized password generation tools can be used by physically present attackers to reset BIOS passwords and BIOS-managed Hard Disk Drive (HDD) passwords, allowing them to bypass security restrictions for BIOS Setup configuration, HDD access, and BIOS pre-boot authentication.
Overview
This vulnerability (CVE-2020-5361) affects select Dell Client Commercial and Consumer platforms that support a BIOS password reset capability designed to help authorized customers who forget their passwords. Unauthorized password generation tools not approved by Dell can generate BIOS recovery passwords. An attacker with physical access to the system could use these tools to bypass security measures including BIOS Setup configuration controls, HDD access restrictions, and BIOS pre-boot authentication. This vulnerability is classified as CWE-640 (Weak Password Recovery Mechanism for Forgotten Password).
Remediation
Dell has released BIOS updates to address this vulnerability. System administrators and users should:
- Identify affected Dell systems in their environment
- Download and install the latest BIOS updates from Dell's support site
- Implement physical security measures to prevent unauthorized access to devices
- Consider using additional security measures such as disk encryption that does not rely solely on BIOS-level protection
- Monitor systems for unauthorized access or configuration changes
References
- Dell Security Advisory (DSA-2020-119): https://www.dell.com/support/kbdoc/en-us/000180741/dsa-2020-119-dell-client-products-unauthorized-bios-password-reset-tool-vulnerability
- CWE-640: https://cwe.mitre.org/data/definitions/640.html
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: Low
- Administrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation ServicesAdministrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation Services: Low
- Agriculture, Forestry Fishing & HuntingAgriculture, Forestry Fishing & Hunting: Low
- Arts, Entertainment & RecreationArts, Entertainment & Recreation: Low
- ConstructionConstruction: Low
- Educational ServicesEducational Services: Low
- Finance and InsuranceFinance and Insurance: Low
- Health Care & Social AssistanceHealth Care & Social Assistance: Low
- InformationInformation: Low
- Management of Companies & EnterprisesManagement of Companies & Enterprises: Low
- ManufacturingManufacturing: Low
- MiningMining: Low
- Other Services (except Public Administration)Other Services (except Public Administration): Low
- Professional, Scientific, & Technical ServicesProfessional, Scientific, & Technical Services: Low
- Public AdministrationPublic Administration: Low
- Real Estate Rental & LeasingReal Estate Rental & Leasing: Low
- Retail TradeRetail Trade: Low
- Transportation & WarehousingTransportation & Warehousing: Low
- UtilitiesUtilities: Low
- Wholesale TradeWholesale Trade: Low
