CVE-2020-5955 : What You Need to Know

An issue was discovered in Int15MicrocodeSmm in Insyde InsydeH2O before 2021-10-14 on Intel client chipsets. A caller may be able to escalate privileges.

Understanding CVE-2020-5955

This CVE involves a vulnerability in Insyde InsydeH2O firmware on Intel client chipsets that could allow privilege escalation.

What is CVE-2020-5955?

CVE-2020-5955 is a security flaw found in the Int15MicrocodeSmm component of Insyde InsydeH2O firmware used on Intel client chipsets. It enables a caller to potentially elevate their privileges.

The Impact of CVE-2020-5955

The vulnerability could be exploited by an attacker to escalate their privileges on affected systems, potentially leading to unauthorized access and control.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-5955

This section provides more in-depth technical information about the CVE.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability exists in the Int15MicrocodeSmm module within Insyde InsydeH2O firmware, allowing an attacker to escalate privileges.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Not applicable
Vendor: Not applicable
Versions: All versions of Insyde InsydeH2O firmware before 2021-10-14 on Intel client chipsets are affected.

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by a malicious actor to manipulate the Int15MicrocodeSmm component and gain elevated privileges on the targeted system.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2020-5955 requires immediate action and long-term security measures.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update the Insyde InsydeH2O firmware to the latest version that includes a patch for this vulnerability.
Monitor system logs for any suspicious activities that could indicate exploitation of the privilege escalation issue.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement the principle of least privilege to restrict user access rights and limit potential damage from privilege escalation attacks.
Conduct regular security assessments and penetration testing to identify and address vulnerabilities proactively.

Patching and Updates

Regularly check for firmware updates and security patches provided by Insyde for the InsydeH2O firmware to ensure protection against known vulnerabilities.