Escalation of Privilege Vulnerability in Intel Microcode Package
Summary
ALPINE-CVE-2025-20053: Improper buffer restrictions for some Intel(R) Xeon(R) Processor firmware with SGX enabled may allow a privileged user to potentially enable escalation of privilege via local access. Affects intel-ucode versions < 20250812-r0. Fixed in 20250812-r0. How to fix ↓
Check if this vulnerability affects your application
Upload a manifest or SBOM and we'll show whether you're affected, plus every other risky package in the same scan.
No signup required · Results in about 60 seconds
Background
The intel-ucode package is essential for providing microcode updates to Intel processors, enhancing their performance and security. This package is particularly critical for systems using Intel Xeon processors with Software Guard Extensions (SGX) enabled. The vulnerability in question arises from improper buffer restrictions, which can potentially expose systems to security risks if not addressed promptly.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability identified as ALPINE-CVE-2025-20053 stems from improper buffer restrictions in the firmware of certain Intel Xeon processors with SGX enabled. This flaw allows a privileged user to escalate their privileges through local access, potentially leading to unauthorized actions within the system. The vulnerability affects multiple versions of the intel-ucode package across various Alpine Linux releases, making it crucial for users to apply the necessary updates to mitigate the risks associated with this issue.
How To Fix
Minimum fixed version
20250812-r0
This is the first release that contains the fix.
sudo apk add --upgrade intel-ucodeTip — Not sure which version your app runs? Vulert can match this fix to it. Scan free →
Workaround
As a temporary workaround, users may consider restricting access to the affected systems to minimize the risk of privilege escalation until the package can be updated. Additionally, monitoring user access and implementing strict user permissions can help mitigate potential exploitation.
Conclusion
The ALPINE-CVE-2025-20053 vulnerability poses a significant risk to systems using the intel-ucode package, particularly those with Intel Xeon processors and SGX enabled. It is imperative for users to update to the patched version to safeguard their systems against potential privilege escalation attacks.
See every vulnerability recorded for intel-ucode →
FAQ
The vulnerability is due to improper buffer restrictions in the firmware of Intel Xeon processors with SGX enabled, allowing for potential privilege escalation.
The vulnerability affects intel-ucode packages in Alpine Linux versions 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 requiring any signup.
If immediate updates are not possible, consider implementing access restrictions and monitoring user permissions to reduce the risk of exploitation.
Yes, a patch is available in the form of the updated intel-ucode package version 20250812-r0.
References
Related vulnerabilities
Recent vulnerabilities recorded for intel-ucode.
