CVE-2020-8684 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

Intel(R) PAC with Arria(R) 10 GX FPGA before version 1.2.1 has an improper access control vulnerability that could lead to privilege escalation.

Understanding CVE-2020-8684

This CVE involves an access control issue in the firmware of Intel(R) PAC with Arria(R) 10 GX FPGA, potentially enabling privilege escalation for a privileged user via local access.

What is CVE-2020-8684?

The vulnerability in Intel(R) PAC with Arria(R) 10 GX FPGA before version 1.2.1 allows a privileged user to potentially escalate their privileges through local access due to improper access control in the firmware.

The Impact of CVE-2020-8684

The vulnerability could be exploited by a privileged user to elevate their privileges, posing a risk of unauthorized access and control over the affected system.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-8684

Vulnerability Description

Improper access control in the firmware of Intel(R) PAC with Arria(R) 10 GX FPGA before version 1.2.1

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Intel(R) PAC with Arria(R) 10 GX FPGA Advisory
Versions Affected: Before version 1.2.1

Exploitation Mechanism

A privileged user can exploit the vulnerability through local access to potentially escalate their privileges.

Mitigation and Prevention

Immediate Steps to Take

Update to Intel Acceleration Stack version 1.2.1 or later to mitigate the vulnerability
Restrict access to privileged accounts and monitor for unauthorized activities

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly review and update firmware and software to address security vulnerabilities
Implement the principle of least privilege to limit user access rights

Patching and Updates

Apply patches and updates provided by Intel to fix the access control issue in the affected firmware