CVE-2023-31276
📋 TL;DR
A heap-based buffer overflow vulnerability in BMC firmware for specific Intel server boards allows privileged users to escalate privileges via local access. This affects administrators or users with physical or remote management access to these servers. Successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise.
💻 Affected Systems
- Intel Server Board S2600WF
- Intel Server Board S2600ST
- Intel Server Board S2600BP
- Intel Server Board M50CYP
- Intel Server Board D50TNP
⚠️ 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
Privileged attacker gains full control of the BMC, potentially compromising the entire server including host operating system, data, and network access.
Likely Case
Malicious administrator or compromised management account uses the vulnerability to gain higher privileges within the BMC, enabling persistence, data theft, or further attacks.
If Mitigated
With strict access controls and network segmentation, impact is limited to the BMC management plane without affecting production workloads.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires existing privileged access to BMC interface; heap exploitation requires specific knowledge of firmware internals.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: S2600WF/ST/BP: 02.01.0017 or later; M50CYP/D50TNP: R01.01.0009 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://intel.com/content/www/us/en/security-center/advisory/intel-sa-00990.html
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Download updated BMC firmware from Intel support site. 2. Access BMC web interface or use IPMI tools. 3. Upload and apply firmware update through maintenance/update section. 4. Verify successful update without rebooting host server.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict BMC network access
allLimit access to BMC management interfaces to authorized administrative networks only
Configure firewall rules to restrict BMC IPMI ports (623 UDP/TCP) to management VLAN
Strengthen BMC authentication
allEnforce strong passwords and consider multi-factor authentication for BMC access
Set complex BMC passwords via ipmitool: ipmitool user set password <userid> <password>
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Isolate BMC management network from production and user networks
- Implement strict access controls and monitor all BMC authentication attempts
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check BMC firmware version via IPMI: ipmitool mc info | grep 'Firmware Revision'Check Version:
ipmitool mc info | grep -i 'firmware revision'Verify Fix Applied:
Confirm firmware version matches or exceeds patched versions listed in advisory📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual BMC authentication patterns
- Multiple failed login attempts followed by successful privileged access
- BMC firmware update events from unexpected sources
Network Indicators:
- Unusual traffic to BMC IPMI port 623 from non-management networks
- Multiple connection attempts to BMC interface
SIEM Query:
source="BMC" AND (event_type="authentication" AND result="success" AND user="admin") OR (event_type="firmware_update" AND status="success")