CVE-2020-0545 Overview
An integer overflow vulnerability exists in subsystems for Intel Converged Security Management Engine (CSME), Intel Trusted Execution Engine (TXE), and Intel Server Platform Services (SPS). This vulnerability may allow a privileged user to potentially enable denial of service via local access. The flaw affects critical firmware components responsible for security management across Intel platforms.
Critical Impact
A privileged attacker with local access can exploit this integer overflow to cause denial of service conditions, potentially disrupting critical security management and platform services on affected Intel systems.
Affected Products
- Intel Converged Security Management Engine Firmware versions before 11.8.77, 11.12.77, and 11.22.77
- Intel Trusted Execution Engine versions before 3.1.75 and 4.0.25
- Intel Server Platform Services versions before SPS_E5_04.01.04.380.0, SPS_SoC-X_04.00.04.128.0, SPS_SoC-A_04.00.04.211.0, SPS_E3_04.01.04.109.0, and SPS_E3_04.08.04.070.0
Discovery Timeline
- June 15, 2020 - CVE-2020-0545 published to NVD
- November 21, 2024 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2020-0545
Vulnerability Analysis
This vulnerability is classified as CWE-190 (Integer Overflow or Wraparound). The integer overflow occurs within subsystems of Intel's management engine firmware components. When arithmetic operations produce a value that exceeds the maximum size of the integer type used to store it, the value wraps around, potentially leading to unexpected behavior. In this case, the overflow condition can be leveraged to trigger a denial of service condition. The attack requires local access and high privileges, limiting the attack surface but still presenting a risk in environments where privileged local access may be obtained through other means.
Root Cause
The root cause is an integer overflow condition (CWE-190) in the subsystem handling within Intel CSME, TXE, and SPS firmware. When specific arithmetic operations are performed without proper bounds checking, the resulting value can exceed the maximum representable integer value, causing it to wrap around to a small or negative number. This wraparound can lead to incorrect memory allocations, buffer sizing errors, or logic flaws that ultimately result in denial of service.
Attack Vector
The attack requires local access to the target system and elevated privileges. An attacker who has already gained privileged access to a system running vulnerable Intel firmware can craft inputs or trigger operations that cause the integer overflow condition. This could potentially be chained with other vulnerabilities to achieve initial privileged access. The local attack vector and high privilege requirements reduce the likelihood of widespread exploitation but make this vulnerability relevant for insider threats or post-compromise scenarios.
The vulnerability manifests in the firmware subsystem handling arithmetic operations. When specific values are processed without adequate overflow checks, the integer wraparound occurs, leading to undefined behavior that can crash or destabilize the affected service. For detailed technical analysis, refer to the Intel Security Advisory INTEL-SA-00295.
Detection Methods for CVE-2020-0545
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected system crashes or reboots related to management engine services
- Anomalous behavior in Intel CSME, TXE, or SPS subsystems
- System event logs showing management engine errors or failures
Detection Strategies
- Monitor system stability for unexpected denial of service conditions affecting Intel management components
- Implement firmware version tracking to identify systems running vulnerable CSME, TXE, or SPS versions
- Use endpoint detection solutions to monitor for privileged local access attempts that could precede exploitation
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable comprehensive logging for system management services and firmware events
- Deploy SentinelOne agents to detect anomalous privileged activity and potential exploitation attempts
- Regularly audit firmware versions across the enterprise to ensure vulnerable systems are identified and prioritized for patching
How to Mitigate CVE-2020-0545
Immediate Actions Required
- Inventory all systems running Intel CSME, TXE, and Server Platform Services firmware
- Prioritize patching based on exposure and criticality of affected systems
- Restrict local privileged access to minimize the attack surface for this vulnerability
- Apply firmware updates from Intel and system OEMs as soon as available
Patch Information
Intel has released updated firmware versions to address this vulnerability. Affected users should update to:
- Intel CSME versions 11.8.77, 11.12.77, or 11.22.77 or later
- Intel TXE versions 3.1.75 or 4.0.25 or later
- Intel SPS versions SPS_E5_04.01.04.380.0, SPS_SoC-X_04.00.04.128.0, SPS_SoC-A_04.00.04.211.0, SPS_E3_04.01.04.109.0, or SPS_E3_04.08.04.070.0 or later
Firmware updates are typically distributed through system OEMs. Consult the following vendor advisories for platform-specific guidance:
- Intel Security Advisory INTEL-SA-00295
- Siemens Security Advisory SSA-631949
- Lenovo Security Advisory LEN-30041
- NetApp Security Advisory NTAP-20200611-0006
- McAfee Security Bulletin SB10321
Workarounds
- Restrict local privileged access to only authorized administrators
- Implement strong access controls and monitoring for systems with vulnerable firmware
- Isolate critical systems that cannot be immediately patched from less trusted network segments
# Check Intel ME/CSME firmware version on Linux systems
sudo intel_me_status
# Or use MEInfo tool from Intel
sudo MEInfoLinux64 -verbose
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
