CVE-2021-0189 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

A vulnerability has been identified in some Intel(R) Processors that could allow a privileged user to escalate their privileges through a local access attack.

Understanding CVE-2021-0189

This CVE concerns the use of an out-of-range pointer offset in the BIOS firmware of certain Intel(R) Processors, which may lead to an escalation of privilege.

What is CVE-2021-0189?

The vulnerability in the BIOS firmware for specific Intel(R) Processors allows a privileged user to potentially escalate their privileges via local access.

The Impact of CVE-2021-0189

If exploited, this vulnerability could enable a privileged user to elevate their system access beyond what is intended, leading to unauthorized actions.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-0189

The technical details of CVE-2021-0189 include:

Vulnerability Description

The use of an out-of-range pointer offset in the BIOS firmware for Intel(R) Processors can be leveraged by a privileged user to potentially escalate their privileges.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability affects certain Intel(R) Processors. For specific versions, refer to the provided references.

Exploitation Mechanism

A privileged user with local access can exploit this vulnerability by utilizing the out-of-range pointer offset in the BIOS firmware.

Mitigation and Prevention

To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2021-0189, consider the following:

Immediate Steps to Take

Users should monitor official advisories from Intel and apply patches or updates as soon as they are available to address this vulnerability.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement regular security assessments and practices to detect and prevent similar privilege escalation vulnerabilities in the future.

Patching and Updates

Regularly update BIOS firmware and security patches provided by Intel to ensure system integrity and protection against known vulnerabilities.