CVE-2023-28402
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability in Intel BIOS Guard firmware allows a privileged user with local access to potentially escalate privileges through improper input validation. It affects systems with specific Intel firmware versions. Attackers could gain higher system privileges than intended.
💻 Affected Systems
- Intel BIOS Guard firmware
⚠️ Manual Verification Required
This CVE does not have specific version information in our database, so automatic vulnerability detection cannot determine if your system is affected.
Why? The CVE database entry doesn't specify which versions are vulnerable (no version ranges provided by the vendor/NVD).
🔒 Custom verification scripts are available for registered users. Sign up free to download automated test scripts.
- Review the CVE details at NVD
- Check vendor security advisories for your specific version
- Test if the vulnerability is exploitable in your environment
- Consider updating to the latest version as a precaution
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete system compromise with administrative control, allowing installation of persistent malware, data theft, and disabling of security controls.
Likely Case
Privileged user gains administrative access to modify system firmware, install rootkits, or bypass security mechanisms.
If Mitigated
Limited impact with proper privilege separation and monitoring, though firmware-level access remains a concern.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires local access and privileged user credentials. Exploitation involves firmware manipulation.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Firmware updates specified in Intel advisory SA-00814
Vendor Advisory: https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/security-center/advisory/intel-sa-00814.html
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Check Intel advisory SA-00814 for affected products. 2. Download firmware update from Intel support site. 3. Apply firmware update following manufacturer instructions. 4. Reboot system to complete installation.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict local privileged access
allLimit number of users with local administrative privileges to reduce attack surface
Implement firmware write protection
allEnable BIOS/firmware write protection if supported by hardware
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict access controls and monitor privileged user activities
- Isolate affected systems from critical networks and implement additional security layers
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check system firmware version against affected versions in Intel advisory SA-00814Check Version:
System-specific commands vary by manufacturer (e.g., dmidecode for Linux, wmic bios get smbiosbiosversion for Windows)Verify Fix Applied:
Verify firmware version has been updated to patched version specified in Intel advisory📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual firmware modification attempts
- Privileged user accessing firmware settings
- Failed firmware update attempts
Network Indicators:
- Local system activity only - no network indicators
SIEM Query:
Search for firmware modification events or privileged user accessing BIOS/firmware settings