Privilege escalation in Intel processors

1) Security features bypass

EUVDB-ID: #VU64522

Risk: Low

CVSSv4.0: 2 [CVSS:4.0/AV:P/AC:L/AT:P/PR:N/UI:N/VC:H/VI:H/VA:H/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N/E:U/U:Clear]

CVE-ID: CVE-2021-0146

CWE-ID: CWE-254 - Security Features

Exploit availability: No

Description

The vulnerability allows a local attacker to escalate privileges on the system.

The vulnerability exists due to hardware allows activation of test or debug logic at runtime. An attacker with physical access to device can execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges.

Mitigation

Install updates from vendor's website.

Vulnerable software versions

Intel Pentium Processor J Series: All versions

Intel Pentium Processor N Series: All versions

Intel Celeron Processor J Series: All versions

Intel Celeron Processor N Series: All versions

Intel Atom Processor A Series: All versions

Intel Atom Processor E3900 Series: All versions

Intel Pentium Processor Silver Series: All versions

Intel Atom processor C3000 series: All versions

CPE2.3

• cpe:2.3:h:intel:intel_pentium_processor_j_series:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
• cpe:2.3:h:intel:intel_pentium_processor_n_series:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
• cpe:2.3:h:intel:intel_celeron_processor_j_series:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
• cpe:2.3:h:intel:intel_celeron_processor_n_series:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
• cpe:2.3:h:intel:intel_atom_processor_a_series:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
• cpe:2.3:h:intel:intel_atom_processor_e3900_series:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
• cpe:2.3:h:intel:intel_pentium_processor_silver_series:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
• cpe:2.3:h:intel:intel_atom_processor_c3000_series:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

External links

https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/security-center/advisory/intel-sa-00528.html

Q & A

Can this vulnerability be exploited remotely?

No. The attacker should have physical access to the system in order to successfully exploit this vulnerability.

Is there known malware, which exploits this vulnerability?

No. We are not aware of malware exploiting this vulnerability.