Return stack buffer underflow in Intel processors

1) Processor optimization removal or modification of security-critical code

EUVDB-ID: #VU65220

Risk: Low

CVSSv4.0: 1.9 [CVSS:4.0/AV:L/AC:L/AT:P/PR:L/UI:N/VC:H/VI:N/VA:N/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N/E:U/U:Clear]

CVE-ID: CVE-2022-29901

CWE-ID: CWE-1037 - Processor optimization removal or modification of security-critical code

Exploit availability: No

Description

The vulnerability allows a local user to gain access to sensitive information.

The vulnerability exists due to the way non-transparent sharing of branch predictor targets between contexts. A local user can exploit the vulnerability to gain access to sensitive information.

Mitigation

Install updates from vendor's website.

Vulnerable software versions

Intel Xeon E Processors: All versions

6th Generation Intel Core Processors: All versions

Intel Xeon Scalable Processors: All versions

Intel Xeon D Processors: All versions

Intel Xeon W Processors: All versions

Intel Core X-series Processors: All versions

8th Generation Intel Core Processors: All versions

Intel Pentium Gold Processor Series: All versions

7th Generation Intel Core Processors: All versions

Intel Pentium Processors: All versions

Intel Celeron Processor G Series: All versions

9th Generation Intel Core Processors: All versions

CPE2.3

• cpe:2.3:h:intel:intel_xeon_e_processors:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
• cpe:2.3:h:intel:6th_generation_intel_core_processors:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
• cpe:2.3:h:intel:intel_xeon_scalable_processors:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
• cpe:2.3:h:intel:intel_xeon_d_processors:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
• cpe:2.3:h:intel:intel_xeon_w_processors:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
• cpe:2.3:h:intel:intel_core_x-series_processors:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
• cpe:2.3:h:intel:8th_generation_intel_core_processors:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
• cpe:2.3:h:intel:intel_pentium_gold_processor_series:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
• cpe:2.3:h:intel:7th_generation_intel_core_processors:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
• cpe:2.3:h:intel:intel_pentium_processors:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
• cpe:2.3:h:intel:intel_celeron_processor_g_series:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
• cpe:2.3:a:intel:9th_generation_intel_core_processors:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

External links

https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/security-center/advisory/intel-sa-00702.html
https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/developer/articles/technical/software-security-guidance/advisory-guidance/return-stack-buffer-underflow.html

Q & A

Can this vulnerability be exploited remotely?

No. This vulnerability can be exploited locally. The attacker should have authentication credentials and successfully authenticate on the system.

Is there known malware, which exploits this vulnerability?

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