CVE-2023-49615

7.5 HIGH

📋 TL;DR

This vulnerability allows a privileged user with local access to potentially escalate privileges through improper input validation in Intel System Security Report and System Resources Defense firmware. It affects systems running vulnerable Intel firmware versions. Attackers could gain higher system privileges than intended.

💻 Affected Systems

Products:
  • Intel System Security Report firmware
  • Intel System Resources Defense firmware
Versions: Specific vulnerable versions listed in Intel advisory
Operating Systems: All operating systems running on affected Intel hardware
Default Config Vulnerable: ⚠️ Yes
Notes: Affects systems with vulnerable Intel firmware regardless of OS. Requires local access and privileged credentials.

⚠️ 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:
  1. Review the CVE details at NVD
  2. Check vendor security advisories for your specific version
  3. Test if the vulnerability is exploitable in your environment
  4. Consider updating to the latest version as a precaution

⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact

🔴

Worst Case

A privileged attacker could gain full system control, compromise firmware integrity, and establish persistent access that survives OS reinstallation.

🟠

Likely Case

Privileged users could elevate their access to higher system levels, potentially accessing sensitive data or modifying system configurations.

🟢

If Mitigated

With proper access controls and monitoring, impact is limited to authorized users attempting privilege escalation, which can be detected and prevented.

🌐 Internet-Facing: LOW - Requires local access and privileged credentials, not directly exploitable over network.
🏢 Internal Only: HIGH - Privileged insiders or compromised accounts with local access could exploit this for privilege escalation.

🎯 Exploit Status

Public PoC: ✅ No
Weaponized: UNKNOWN
Unauthenticated Exploit: ✅ No
Complexity: MEDIUM

Requires local access and privileged credentials. Exploitation involves manipulating firmware input validation.

🛠️ Fix & Mitigation

✅ Official Fix

Patch Version: Firmware updates specified in Intel advisory

Vendor Advisory: https://intel.com/content/www/us/en/security-center/advisory/intel-sa-01203.html

Restart Required: Yes

Instructions:

1. Check Intel advisory for affected products. 2. Download firmware updates from Intel support site. 3. Apply firmware updates following manufacturer instructions. 4. Reboot system to activate new firmware.

🔧 Temporary Workarounds

Restrict local privileged access

all

Limit number of users with local administrative privileges to reduce attack surface

Implement privilege separation

all

Use least privilege principles and separate administrative functions

🧯 If You Can't Patch

  • Implement strict access controls and monitor privileged user activities
  • Segment affected systems and limit lateral movement capabilities

🔍 How to Verify

Check if Vulnerable:

Check firmware version against Intel advisory. Use manufacturer tools like Intel System Support Utility.

Check Version:

Manufacturer-specific commands vary by system. Check BIOS/UEFI settings or use 'wmic bios get smbiosbiosversion' on Windows, 'dmidecode -t bios' on Linux.

Verify Fix Applied:

Verify firmware version after update matches patched version in Intel advisory.

📡 Detection & Monitoring

Log Indicators:

  • Unusual firmware access attempts
  • Privilege escalation attempts
  • Firmware modification logs

Network Indicators:

  • Not applicable - local access required

SIEM Query:

Search for firmware access events, privilege escalation patterns, or unauthorized administrative actions on affected systems.

🔗 References

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