CVE-2025-20068: Intel UEFI Privilege Escalation Flaw

CVE-2025-20068 Overview

CVE-2025-20068 is a BIOS/UEFI vulnerability affecting the ImcErrorHandler module in some Intel reference platforms. The flaw stems from improper input validation (CWE-20) that may allow a privileged local attacker to escalate privileges on vulnerable systems. This vulnerability requires local access and high attack complexity with specific attack requirements being present.

Critical Impact

A privileged adversary with local access could exploit this improper input validation flaw in the UEFI firmware to achieve privilege escalation, potentially compromising system confidentiality, integrity, and availability.

Affected Products

• Intel reference platforms with vulnerable UEFI ImcErrorHandler module
• Systems utilizing affected Intel UEFI firmware implementations

Discovery Timeline

• 2026-03-10 - CVE-2025-20068 published to NVD
• 2026-03-11 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2025-20068

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability exists within the UEFI ImcErrorHandler module, which is responsible for handling Integrated Memory Controller (IMC) errors during the system boot process. The improper input validation flaw allows a privileged local attacker to supply malicious input that the module fails to properly sanitize or validate.

The attack requires elevated privileges on the target system and involves high complexity, meaning specific conditions must be met for successful exploitation. When exploited, the vulnerability enables escalation of privilege that can compromise the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the vulnerable system.

UEFI firmware vulnerabilities are particularly concerning because they operate below the operating system level, making detection and remediation more challenging. Exploitation of this flaw could allow persistent access that survives operating system reinstallation.

Root Cause

The root cause of CVE-2025-20068 is improper input validation (CWE-20) in the ImcErrorHandler module. The module does not adequately validate input parameters before processing them, allowing specially crafted input to trigger unintended behavior. This validation gap enables attackers to manipulate the error handling logic in ways that lead to privilege escalation within the UEFI environment.

Attack Vector

The attack vector for this vulnerability is local, requiring the attacker to have direct access to the target system. The exploitation scenario involves a system software adversary with existing privileged user access who can interact with the UEFI firmware layer.

The attack has high complexity and requires specific attack prerequisites to be present. No user interaction is required once the attacker has the necessary local access and privileges. The attacker does not need special internal knowledge of the system to carry out the attack.

Successful exploitation impacts the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the vulnerable system at a high level, though there are no subsequent impacts to connected systems.

For technical details regarding this vulnerability, refer to the Intel Security Advisory SA-01234.

Detection Methods for CVE-2025-20068

Indicators of Compromise

• Unexpected modifications to UEFI firmware or configuration settings
• Anomalous system behavior during boot sequences or IMC error handling events
• Unauthorized privilege escalation events on systems with vulnerable Intel firmware
• Suspicious local access patterns by privileged accounts targeting firmware interfaces

Detection Strategies

• Monitor UEFI firmware integrity using Secure Boot and firmware attestation mechanisms
• Implement endpoint detection solutions capable of monitoring firmware-level changes
• Deploy SentinelOne agents configured to detect privilege escalation attempts at the system level
• Audit privileged account activity for unusual patterns targeting BIOS/UEFI interfaces

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable comprehensive logging for system firmware events and privileged operations
• Implement firmware integrity monitoring to detect unauthorized modifications
• Configure alerts for privilege escalation events on systems with Intel reference platforms
• Review system event logs for IMC error handling anomalies that may indicate exploitation attempts

How to Mitigate CVE-2025-20068

Immediate Actions Required

• Review the Intel Security Advisory SA-01234 for affected product details and remediation guidance
• Inventory systems using Intel reference platforms with potentially vulnerable UEFI firmware
• Restrict local access and privileged account usage on affected systems until patching is complete
• Implement additional monitoring for firmware-level activities on vulnerable systems

Patch Information

Intel has released security updates to address this vulnerability. System administrators should consult the Intel Security Advisory SA-01234 for specific patch information, affected firmware versions, and update procedures. Coordinate with your system OEM vendor for applicable BIOS/UEFI updates that incorporate the Intel security fixes.

Workarounds

• Enforce strict access controls to limit local privileged access on vulnerable systems
• Implement hardware-based security features such as Secure Boot and TPM attestation
• Apply defense-in-depth strategies to minimize the risk of local privilege escalation
• Monitor and audit all privileged account activities targeting system firmware interfaces

# Verify Secure Boot status on Linux systems
mokutil --sb-state

# Check current UEFI firmware version (may vary by system)
dmidecode -t bios | grep -E "Version|Release"

# Review system logs for firmware-related events
journalctl -k | grep -i "uefi\|efi\|firmware"