CVE-2023-38587
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability in Intel NUC BIOS firmware allows a privileged user with local access to potentially escalate privileges through improper input validation. It affects Intel NUC systems with vulnerable BIOS versions, enabling attackers to gain higher system privileges than intended.
💻 Affected Systems
- Intel NUC systems with vulnerable BIOS firmware
📦 What is this software?
Nuc 8 Enthusiast Nuc8i7behga Firmware by Intel
View all CVEs affecting Nuc 8 Enthusiast Nuc8i7behga Firmware →
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
An attacker with local privileged access could gain full system control, bypass security controls, install persistent malware, or 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
Exploitation requires existing privileged access and knowledge of the vulnerability. No public exploit code is known at this time.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: BIOS updates as specified in Intel SA-01028 advisory
Vendor Advisory: https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/security-center/advisory/intel-sa-01028.html
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Visit Intel's support site. 2. Identify your NUC model. 3. Download the latest BIOS update. 4. Follow Intel's BIOS update instructions. 5. Reboot the system.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict physical and privileged access
allLimit who has physical access to NUC devices and reduce the number of privileged accounts.
Implement BIOS password protection
allSet BIOS passwords to prevent unauthorized BIOS modifications.
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Isolate affected NUC systems on separate network segments
- Implement strict access controls and monitor privileged user activity
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check BIOS version in system settings or using Intel's detection tools. Compare against vulnerable versions in Intel SA-01028.Check Version:
On Windows: wmic bios get smbiosbiosversion. On Linux: sudo dmidecode -s bios-version.Verify Fix Applied:
Verify BIOS version after update matches patched version from Intel advisory.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual BIOS access attempts
- Privilege escalation events
- Unexpected system reboots
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound connections from NUC systems after local access
SIEM Query:
source="bios_logs" AND (event="access_denied" OR event="configuration_change")