CVE-2023-42667
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability in Intel Core Ultra processors allows an authenticated local user to potentially escalate privileges by exploiting improper isolation in the stream cache mechanism. It affects systems with these specific Intel processors and requires local access to exploit. The impact is limited to authenticated users on the same system.
💻 Affected Systems
- Intel Core Ultra processors (specific models listed in Intel advisory)
⚠️ 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
An authenticated attacker gains full system administrator/root privileges, compromising the entire system and potentially accessing sensitive data or installing persistent malware.
Likely Case
Privileged user or malware with initial access escalates to higher privileges to bypass security controls or access restricted resources.
If Mitigated
With proper access controls and monitoring, impact is limited to the compromised user account with no lateral movement or data exfiltration.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires detailed knowledge of processor architecture and memory management. Intel has not disclosed technical details to prevent weaponization.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Microcode/firmware updates from Intel and system manufacturers
Vendor Advisory: https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/security-center/advisory/intel-sa-01038.html
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Check Intel advisory for affected processor models. 2. Contact system manufacturer for BIOS/UEFI firmware updates. 3. Apply firmware update following manufacturer instructions. 4. Reboot system to activate microcode update.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict local access
allLimit physical and remote local access to critical systems
Implement least privilege
allEnsure users operate with minimal necessary privileges to limit impact
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Isolate affected systems from critical networks and data
- Implement enhanced monitoring for privilege escalation attempts
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check processor model using 'lscpu' (Linux) or System Information (Windows) and compare with Intel's affected processor listCheck Version:
Linux: 'lscpu | grep Model name', Windows: 'wmic cpu get name'Verify Fix Applied:
Check BIOS/UEFI firmware version matches manufacturer's patched version, or use Intel's detection tools if available📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unexpected privilege escalation events
- Unusual process creation with elevated privileges
- Failed authorization attempts followed by successful privileged access
Network Indicators:
- None - local exploitation only
SIEM Query:
EventID=4672 (Windows) or auth.log privilege changes (Linux) from non-admin users to SYSTEM/root