Sensitive Information Exposure in Intel Microarchitectural Predictors - intel-ucode Package
Summary
ALPINE-CVE-2024-43420: Exposure of sensitive information caused by shared microarchitectural predictor state that influences transient execution for some Intel Atom(R) processors may allow an authenticated user to potentially enable informatio... Affects intel-ucode versions < 20250512-r0. Fixed in 20250512-r0. How to fix ↓
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Background
The intel-ucode package provides microcode updates for Intel processors, enhancing system stability and performance. It is crucial for ensuring that Intel CPUs operate efficiently and securely. However, certain versions of this package are vulnerable to a flaw that allows for the exposure of sensitive information due to shared microarchitectural predictor state, particularly affecting Intel Atom processors.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability, identified as ALPINE-CVE-2024-43420, arises from the exposure of sensitive information caused by shared microarchitectural predictor state that influences transient execution. This flaw may allow an authenticated user to potentially enable information disclosure via local access. The issue is particularly concerning as it can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data, impacting system security and user privacy.
How To Fix
Minimum fixed version
20250512-r0
This is the first release that contains the fix.
sudo apk add --upgrade intel-ucode
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Workaround
Currently, there are no specific workarounds provided for this vulnerability. The best course of action is to apply the patch as soon as it is available.
Conclusion
The intel-ucode package has a critical vulnerability that can expose sensitive information due to shared microarchitectural predictor state. It is essential to update to the patched version 20250512-r0 to mitigate this risk. Users are encouraged to monitor their systems and utilize tools like Vulert for real-time vulnerability alerts.
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FAQ
The vulnerability involves the exposure of sensitive information due to shared microarchitectural predictor state, which may allow unauthorized access to data.
The vulnerability affects intel-ucode in Alpine versions 3.18, 3.19, 3.20, 3.21, and 3.22.
You can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without needing to sign up.
While there are no specific workarounds, it is recommended to monitor your system for any suspicious activity until you can apply the patch.
While the vulnerability does not directly cause data loss, it can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive information, which poses a significant security risk.
References
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