CVE-2023-39539 – This vulnerability in AMI AptioV BIOS allows lo... (How to Fix)

Q: What is the severity of CVE-2023-39539?

CVE-2023-39539 has a CVSS score of 7.5 (HIGH). This vulnerability in AMI AptioV BIOS allows local attackers to upload malicious PNG logo files without proper validation, potentially compromising system confidentiality, integrity, and availability. It affects systems with vulnerable AMI BIOS implementations and requires local access to exploit.

📋 TL;DR

This vulnerability in AMI AptioV BIOS allows local attackers to upload malicious PNG logo files without proper validation, potentially compromising system confidentiality, integrity, and availability. It affects systems with vulnerable AMI BIOS implementations and requires local access to exploit.

💻 Affected Systems

Products:

AMI AptioV BIOS

Versions: Specific vulnerable versions not publicly detailed in CVE; consult vendor advisories.

Operating Systems: All operating systems running on affected BIOS

Default Config Vulnerable: ⚠️ Yes

Notes: Affects systems using AMI AptioV BIOS with vulnerable implementations; exact hardware models depend on OEM implementations.

📦 What is this software?

Aptio V by Ami

View all CVEs affecting Aptio V →

⚠️ 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.

Recommended Actions:

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 including persistent BIOS-level malware, bricking of hardware, or theft of sensitive firmware data.

🟠

Likely Case

BIOS corruption requiring physical recovery, system instability, or limited data exposure from firmware.

🟢

If Mitigated

No impact if proper access controls prevent unauthorized local BIOS access.

🌐 Internet-Facing: LOW - Requires local access, not remotely exploitable.

🏢 Internal Only: HIGH - Local attackers with physical or administrative access can exploit this vulnerability.

🎯 Exploit Status

Public PoC: ✅ No

Weaponized: UNKNOWN

Unauthenticated Exploit: ✅ No

Complexity: MEDIUM

Requires local access and BIOS configuration access; exploitation details not publicly documented.

🛠️ Fix & Mitigation

✅ Official Fix

Patch Version: Consult OEM/BIOS vendor for specific patched versions

Vendor Advisory: https://9443417.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/9443417/Security%20Advisories/AMI-SA-2023009.pdf

Restart Required: Yes

Instructions:

1. Contact system/OEM manufacturer for BIOS update. 2. Download appropriate BIOS update from vendor. 3. Follow vendor instructions to flash BIOS. 4. Reboot system.

🔧 Temporary Workarounds

Restrict BIOS Access

all

Implement physical security and BIOS password protection to prevent unauthorized local access.

Disable Custom Logo Feature

all

If supported, disable PNG logo upload functionality in BIOS settings.

🧯 If You Can't Patch

Implement strict physical security controls to prevent unauthorized local access to systems.
Monitor for BIOS modification attempts and maintain system integrity checks.

🔍 How to Verify

Check if Vulnerable:

Check BIOS version against vendor advisories; examine if custom logo upload is available in BIOS settings.

Check Version:

System-specific: Typically via BIOS setup utility, system information tools, or manufacturer utilities.

Verify Fix Applied:

Verify BIOS version has been updated to patched version from vendor; confirm logo upload feature behavior.

📡 Detection & Monitoring

Log Indicators:

BIOS update logs
System firmware modification events
Unauthorized physical access logs

Network Indicators:

Not applicable - local attack only

SIEM Query:

Search for BIOS/UEFI firmware modification events or physical security alerts.

📊 Metadata

CVE ID: CVE-2023-39539

CVSS v3 Score: 7.5 (HIGH)

CVSS Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:H/PR:H/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H

CWE: CWE-20

Published: December 6, 2023

Last Updated: November 21, 2024

🔗 References

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