CVE-2025-20037
📋 TL;DR
A time-of-check time-of-use race condition vulnerability in Intel Converged Security and Management Engine firmware allows a privileged local user to potentially escalate privileges. This affects systems with vulnerable Intel CSME firmware versions. Attackers need local access and existing privileges to exploit this vulnerability.
💻 Affected Systems
- Intel Converged Security and Management Engine (CSME)
⚠️ 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
Privileged attacker gains full system control, bypasses security boundaries, and potentially compromises the Intel Management Engine itself.
Likely Case
Privileged user escalates to higher privileges within the operating system, enabling further system compromise.
If Mitigated
Attack fails due to proper access controls, privilege separation, or patched firmware.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires local privileged access and precise timing to trigger the race condition.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Patched firmware versions specified in Intel SA-01280
Vendor Advisory: https://intel.com/content/www/us/en/security-center/advisory/intel-sa-01280.html
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Check Intel SA-01280 for affected platforms. 2. Update system BIOS/UEFI firmware. 3. Update Intel CSME firmware through manufacturer-provided updates. 4. Reboot system.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict local privileged access
allLimit users with local administrative privileges to reduce attack surface
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict least-privilege access controls for local users
- Monitor for unusual privilege escalation attempts and system modifications
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check Intel SA-01280 advisory for affected platform list and compare with system CSME firmware versionCheck Version:
On Linux: 'sudo dmidecode -t bios' or check manufacturer system information toolsVerify Fix Applied:
Verify CSME firmware version matches patched version from Intel advisory after update📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual privilege escalation events
- Unexpected firmware access attempts
- System integrity violations
Network Indicators:
- None - local exploitation only
SIEM Query:
Search for privilege escalation events from local users combined with firmware access attempts