Intel Microcode Vulnerability: Information Disclosure Risk in Ubuntu Packages
Summary
UBUNTU-CVE-2020-8698: Improper isolation of shared resources in some Intel(R) Processors may allow an authenticated user to potentially enable information disclosure via local access. Affects intel-microcode versions < 3.20201110.0ubuntu0.14.04.1. Fixed in 3.20201110.0ubuntu0.14.04.1. 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
Habilume
Habit tracker with a companion that grows with you
Complete habits, earn Lume Points, and watch your Lume grow as you stay consistent.
Background
The 'intel-microcode' package is essential for updating the microcode of Intel processors, ensuring optimal performance and security. This package is widely used across various Ubuntu distributions, including LTS versions. The vulnerability in question affects multiple versions of this package, potentially exposing sensitive information to authenticated users.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability, identified as CVE-2020-8698, arises from improper isolation of shared resources in some Intel processors. This flaw allows an authenticated user to potentially enable information disclosure via local access. The implications of this vulnerability are significant, as it could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data stored in the system, thereby compromising user privacy and security.
How To Fix
Minimum fixed version
3.20201110.0ubuntu0.14.04.1
This is the first release that contains the fix.
sudo apt-get install --only-upgrade intel-microcodeTip — Not sure which version your app runs? Vulert can match this fix to it. Scan free →
Workaround
As a temporary workaround, users can limit access to the affected systems and monitor user activities to mitigate the risk of information disclosure until the package is updated.
Conclusion
The CVE-2020-8698 vulnerability in the 'intel-microcode' package poses a significant risk of information disclosure for users of affected Ubuntu distributions. It is crucial to update to the patched versions to ensure system security and protect sensitive data.
See every vulnerability recorded for intel-microcode →
FAQ
CVE-2020-8698 is a vulnerability in Intel processors that allows authenticated users to potentially disclose sensitive information due to improper isolation of shared resources.
You can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without any signup.
The vulnerability could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data, compromising user privacy and security.
Yes, patched versions of the 'intel-microcode' package are available for various Ubuntu distributions. Users should update to these versions to mitigate the vulnerability.
Vulert monitors and alerts for open-source vulnerabilities in software using a manifest file like package-lock.json. It provides real-time alerts without requiring code access or installation.
Related vulnerabilities
Recent vulnerabilities recorded for intel-microcode.
Habilume
Habit tracker with a companion that grows with you
Complete habits, earn Lume Points, and watch your Lume grow as you stay consistent.
