CVE-2023-28738
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows a privileged user with local access to potentially escalate privileges on affected Intel NUC systems due to improper input validation in BIOS firmware. Attackers could gain higher system privileges than intended. Only Intel NUC systems with vulnerable BIOS firmware versions are affected.
💻 Affected Systems
- Intel NUC systems with vulnerable BIOS firmware
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
An attacker with local privileged access could gain full system control, install persistent malware, bypass security controls, and potentially access sensitive data.
Likely Case
A malicious insider or compromised privileged account could escalate privileges to gain deeper system access for lateral movement or data exfiltration.
If Mitigated
With proper access controls and monitoring, impact is limited to systems where attackers already have privileged local access.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires local privileged access and BIOS/UEFI exploitation knowledge. No public exploit code known at this time.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: BIOS firmware version JY0070 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/security-center/advisory/intel-sa-01009.html
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Download BIOS update JY0070 or later from Intel's website. 2. Follow Intel's BIOS update instructions for your specific NUC model. 3. Reboot the system to apply the update. 4. Verify the BIOS version after update.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict physical and local access
allLimit physical access to NUC devices and restrict local privileged accounts to trusted users only.
Implement least privilege access
allEnsure users only have the minimum privileges necessary for their roles to reduce attack surface.
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Isolate affected NUC systems on separate network segments
- Implement strict monitoring of privileged account activity and BIOS/UEFI access attempts
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check BIOS version in system settings during boot (usually F2 or Del key) or use manufacturer's system information tool.Check Version:
Windows: wmic bios get smbiosbiosversion | Linux: sudo dmidecode -s bios-versionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify BIOS version shows JY0070 or later in system BIOS settings or using Intel's system identification tools.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual BIOS/UEFI access attempts
- Privilege escalation events from known privileged accounts
- Unexpected system reboots or firmware modification attempts
Network Indicators:
- N/A - local exploitation only
SIEM Query:
EventID=12 OR EventID=13 (System events for unexpected shutdowns/restarts) combined with privileged account activity