CVE-2020-0591 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

A vulnerability related to improper buffer restrictions in BIOS firmware for certain Intel(R) Processors that could lead to a privilege escalation threat.

Understanding CVE-2020-0591

What is CVE-2020-0591?

The CVE-2020-0591 vulnerability involves the BIOS firmware of specific Intel(R) Processors, potentially allowing a privileged user to enable an escalation of privilege through local access.

The Impact of CVE-2020-0591

This vulnerability could be exploited by a privileged user to gain higher levels of access on affected systems, leading to unauthorized actions and compromise of sensitive data.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-0591

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from improper buffer restrictions in the BIOS firmware, creating an opportunity for a privilege escalation attack.

Affected Systems and Versions

Affected Product: Intel(R) Processors
Affected Version: See references for detailed version information

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited locally by a privileged user with access to the affected Intel(R) Processor, leading to an escalation of privilege.

Mitigation and Prevention

Immediate Steps to Take

Regularly check for security updates and patches from Intel and related vendors.
Implement strong access controls and limit privileged user permissions.

Long-Term Security Practices

Employ secure coding practices to mitigate buffer restriction vulnerabilities.
Conduct regular security audits and penetration testing to identify and address potential vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories from Intel and other relevant sources and promptly apply recommended patches to mitigate the CVE-2020-0591 vulnerability.