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                         AUSCERT Security Bulletin

                               ASB-2010.0048
                     Intel motherboards vulnerability
                              8 February 2010

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        AusCERT Security Bulletin Summary
        ---------------------------------

Product:              Intel Desktop motherboards
Operating System:     Solaris
                      BSD variants
                      Linux variants
                      Windows
Platform:             IA-32
Impact/Access:        Increased Privileges -- Remote/Unauthenticated
Resolution:           Patch/Upgrade
Member content until: Wednesday, March 10 2010

Comment: This vulnerability has been corrected with a BIOS update.

OVERVIEW

        A privilege escalation vulnerability has been identified in a range
        of Intel desktop motherboards where an attacker can modfy code
        that is run in System Management Mode (SMM).


IMPACT

        The issue is described by the vendor as follows:
        
        "A new BIOS update is available for selected Intel desktop 
        motherboards to ensure proper configuration settings. These 
        changes would prevent a malicious user from modifying software that 
        is run in System Management Mode (SMM). SMM is a privileged 
        operating environment running outside of OS control. Malicious 
        software running in this environment could therefore perform any 
        number of operations. Administrative level privileges are required 
        to exploit this issue." [1]


MITIGATION

        Updates are available on the vendor's website. [1]


REFERENCES

        [1] Intel Desktop Boards Privilege Escalation
            http://security-center.intel.com/advisory.aspx?intelid=INTEL-SA-00022&languageid=en-fr

AusCERT has made every effort to ensure that the information contained
in this document is accurate.  However, the decision to use the information
described is the responsibility of each user or organisation. The decision to
follow or act on information or advice contained in this security bulletin is
the responsibility of each user or organisation, and should be considered in
accordance with your organisation's site policies and procedures. AusCERT
takes no responsibility for consequences which may arise from following or
acting on information or advice contained in this security bulletin.

If you believe that your computer system has been compromised or attacked in 
any way, we encourage you to let us know by completing the secure National IT 
Incident Reporting Form at:

        http://www.auscert.org.au/render.html?it=3192

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Australian Computer Emergency Response Team
The University of Queensland
Brisbane
Qld 4072

Internet Email: auscert@auscert.org.au
Facsimile:      (07) 3365 7031
Telephone:      (07) 3365 4417 (International: +61 7 3365 4417)
                AusCERT personnel answer during Queensland business hours 
                which are GMT+10:00 (AEST).
                On call after hours for member emergencies only.
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