CVE-2017-3197
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows attackers to bypass UEFI firmware security protections on specific GIGABYTE BRIX systems, enabling arbitrary modifications to the BIOS/SPI flash memory. Attackers could install persistent malware that survives OS reinstallation or disable security features. Affected users are those running GB-BSi7H-6500 or GB-BXi7-5775 systems with vulnerable firmware versions.
💻 Affected Systems
- GIGABYTE BRIX GB-BSi7H-6500
- GIGABYTE BRIX GB-BXi7-5775
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete system compromise with persistent rootkit installation at firmware level, allowing attackers to bypass all OS-level security controls, steal credentials, and maintain persistence through OS reinstallation.
Likely Case
Installation of firmware-level malware that can intercept system operations, disable security features, or create backdoors for future attacks.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if systems are physically secured and attackers lack physical access or administrative privileges.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires local access and administrative privileges. Public proof-of-concept code exists in the Cylance disclosures. Attackers need to bypass OS-level protections to access firmware interfaces.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: GB-BSi7H-6500: version F7 or later, GB-BXi7-5775: version F3 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://www.gigabyte.com/Support/Security/1801
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Download latest BIOS/UEFI firmware from GIGABYTE support site. 2. Create bootable USB with firmware update utility. 3. Boot to firmware update utility. 4. Flash new firmware version. 5. Verify successful update in BIOS settings.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Physical Security Controls
allRestrict physical access to affected systems to prevent local exploitation.
Privilege Restriction
allLimit administrative privileges to prevent unauthorized firmware access.
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Decommission affected systems from critical environments
- Implement strict physical access controls and monitoring
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check BIOS/UEFI firmware version in system BIOS settings during boot (typically F2 or DEL key). Compare against vulnerable versions: GB-BSi7H-6500 F6 or GB-BXi7-5775 F2.Check Version:
Windows: wmic bios get smbiosbiosversion
Linux: sudo dmidecode -s bios-versionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify BIOS version shows F7 or later for GB-BSi7H-6500, or F3 or later for GB-BXi7-5775 in BIOS settings.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unexpected BIOS/UEFI firmware modification events
- Unauthorized access to firmware update utilities
- System boot anomalies
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound connections from firmware management interfaces
SIEM Query:
EventID=12 OR EventID=13 (System boot/shutdown) with suspicious timing OR Process creation of firmware update tools by unauthorized users🔗 References
- http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/97294
- https://github.com/CylanceVulnResearch/disclosures/blob/master/CLVA-2017-01-001.md
- https://github.com/CylanceVulnResearch/disclosures/blob/master/CLVA-2017-01-002.md
- https://www.cylance.com/en_us/blog/gigabyte-brix-systems-vulnerabilities.html
- https://www.kb.cert.org/vuls/id/507496
- http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/97294
- https://github.com/CylanceVulnResearch/disclosures/blob/master/CLVA-2017-01-001.md
- https://github.com/CylanceVulnResearch/disclosures/blob/master/CLVA-2017-01-002.md
- https://www.cylance.com/en_us/blog/gigabyte-brix-systems-vulnerabilities.html
- https://www.kb.cert.org/vuls/id/507496
