CVE-2023-43758
📋 TL;DR
This UEFI firmware vulnerability in certain Intel processors allows privileged users to escalate privileges through improper input validation. Attackers with local access could gain higher system privileges than intended. This affects systems with vulnerable Intel processors and UEFI firmware.
💻 Affected Systems
- Intel processors with vulnerable UEFI firmware
⚠️ 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
Complete system compromise with attacker gaining kernel-level or firmware-level privileges, potentially installing persistent malware in firmware.
Likely Case
Privileged user gains unauthorized administrative access to the system, allowing lateral movement and data exfiltration.
If Mitigated
Limited impact with proper privilege separation and monitoring, though firmware persistence remains a concern.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires privileged local access and knowledge of UEFI firmware exploitation techniques.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: UEFI firmware updates from system/device manufacturers
Vendor Advisory: https://intel.com/content/www/us/en/security-center/advisory/intel-sa-01139.html
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Check system manufacturer's website for UEFI/BIOS updates. 2. Download appropriate firmware update. 3. Apply update following manufacturer instructions. 4. Reboot system to complete installation.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict local privileged access
allLimit number of users with local administrative privileges to reduce attack surface
Enable secure boot
allEnsure secure boot is enabled to prevent unauthorized firmware modifications
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict access controls and monitor privileged user activities
- Isolate affected systems in segmented network zones with limited trust
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check system UEFI/BIOS version against manufacturer's patched versions listCheck Version:
On Windows: wmic bios get smbiosbiosversion
On Linux: dmidecode -s bios-versionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify UEFI firmware version has been updated to patched version from manufacturer📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unexpected firmware update attempts
- Privilege escalation events from known users
- UEFI/BIOS modification logs
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound connections from privileged systems
- Lateral movement from affected systems
SIEM Query:
EventID=4672 OR EventID=4688 on Windows systems showing privilege escalation from local users