CVE-2023-32617
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows a privileged user with local access to Intel NUC Rugged Kits, NUC Kits, and Compute Elements to potentially escalate privileges due to improper input validation in BIOS firmware. Attackers could gain higher system privileges than intended. Only users with physical or administrative access to affected Intel hardware are impacted.
💻 Affected Systems
- Intel NUC Rugged Kit
- Intel NUC Kit
- Intel Compute Element
📦 What is this software?
Compute Stick Stk2mv64cc Firmware by Intel
Nuc 7 Enthusiast Nuc7i7bnhxg Firmware by Intel
View all CVEs affecting Nuc 7 Enthusiast Nuc7i7bnhxg Firmware →
Nuc 7 Enthusiast Nuc7i7bnkq Firmware by Intel
View all CVEs affecting Nuc 7 Enthusiast Nuc7i7bnkq Firmware →
Nuc 8 Rugged Board Nuc8cchbn Firmware by Intel
View all CVEs affecting Nuc 8 Rugged Board Nuc8cchbn Firmware →
Nuc 8 Rugged Kit Nuc8cchkr Firmware by Intel
View all CVEs affecting Nuc 8 Rugged Kit Nuc8cchkr Firmware →
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
An attacker with local administrative access could gain full system control, install persistent malware in firmware, bypass security controls, and compromise the entire system.
Likely Case
A malicious insider or compromised administrator account could elevate privileges to install backdoors, access sensitive data, or disable security features.
If Mitigated
With proper access controls limiting local administrative privileges and physical security, the attack surface is significantly reduced.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires local privileged access and knowledge of BIOS/UEFI exploitation techniques. No public exploit code has been disclosed.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: BIOS updates as specified in Intel advisory SA-00917
Vendor Advisory: http://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/security-center/advisory/intel-sa-00917.html
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Identify your Intel NUC/Compute Element model. 2. Visit Intel's support site. 3. Download the BIOS update for your specific model. 4. Follow Intel's BIOS update instructions. 5. Reboot the system to apply the update.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict Local Administrative Access
allLimit the number of users with local administrative privileges on affected systems.
Implement Physical Security Controls
allSecure physical access to affected devices to prevent unauthorized local access.
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Isolate affected systems on segmented networks with strict access controls
- Implement enhanced monitoring for privilege escalation attempts and unusual administrative activity
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check BIOS version in system settings (F2 during boot) or using Intel's System Support Utility and compare against vulnerable versions in Intel advisory SA-00917.Check Version:
On Windows: wmic bios get smbiosbiosversion. On Linux: sudo dmidecode -s bios-versionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify BIOS version has been updated to a patched version listed in Intel's advisory. The version should be higher than vulnerable versions specified.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual BIOS/UEFI configuration changes
- Multiple failed privilege escalation attempts
- Unexpected administrative account activity
Network Indicators:
- N/A - This is a local access vulnerability
SIEM Query:
Search for events related to BIOS/UEFI configuration changes, privilege escalation attempts, or unusual local administrative activity on Intel NUC systems.