CVE-2020-8721 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

Intel(R) Server Boards, Server Systems, and Compute Modules Advisory before version 1.59 are affected by an escalation of privilege vulnerability that could be exploited by a privileged user via local access.

Understanding CVE-2020-8721

This CVE involves improper input validation in certain Intel(R) Server products, potentially leading to privilege escalation.

What is CVE-2020-8721?

CVE-2020-8721 is a vulnerability in Intel(R) Server Boards, Server Systems, and Compute Modules before version 1.59 that could allow a privileged user to escalate their privileges through local access.

The Impact of CVE-2020-8721

The vulnerability may enable a privileged user to elevate their privileges, posing a security risk to the affected systems.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-8721

This section provides more technical insights into the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

Improper input validation in Intel(R) Server Boards, Server Systems, and Compute Modules before version 1.59 could permit a privileged user to escalate their privileges via local access.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Intel(R) Server Boards, Server Systems, and Compute Modules Advisory
Version: Before version 1.59

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability could be exploited by a privileged user with local access to potentially escalate their privileges on the affected systems.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2020-8721 requires immediate actions and long-term security measures.

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply security patches provided by Intel promptly.
Restrict and monitor privileged user access to the affected systems.
Implement the principle of least privilege to limit user permissions.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch all software and firmware on Intel(R) Server products.
Conduct security assessments and audits to identify and address vulnerabilities proactively.
Educate users on secure practices and the importance of privilege management.

Patching and Updates

Ensure that all Intel(R) Server Boards, Server Systems, and Compute Modules are updated to version 1.59 or later to mitigate the vulnerability.