Denial of Service Vulnerability in Intel Microcode Package
Summary
UBUNTU-CVE-2023-39368: Protection mechanism failure of bus lock regulator for some Intel(R) Processors may allow an unauthenticated user to potentially enable denial of service via network access. Affects intel-microcode versions 1.20130906.1ubuntu2 – 3.20210608.0ubuntu0.14.04.1+esm1. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
The Intel Microcode package is essential for updating the microcode of Intel processors, which helps in improving performance and fixing bugs. It plays a critical role in ensuring that the processors operate efficiently and securely. However, certain versions of this package are vulnerable to a specific issue that could allow unauthorized users to exploit the system.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability, identified as CVE-2023-39368, stems from a protection mechanism failure of the bus lock regulator for some Intel processors. This flaw may allow an unauthenticated user to potentially enable denial of service via network access. The implications of this vulnerability are significant, as it could lead to system instability or unavailability, affecting the overall performance and reliability of the affected systems.
How To Fix
No fixed version is published for this vulnerability.
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Workaround
If immediate patching is not feasible, consider implementing network access controls to limit exposure to potential attackers. This can include firewall rules or network segmentation to restrict access to vulnerable systems.
Conclusion
CVE-2023-39368 presents a significant risk to systems using vulnerable versions of the Intel Microcode package. Users are strongly advised to update to the latest patched versions to mitigate the risk of denial of service attacks. Implementing workarounds can provide temporary relief, but patching is the most effective solution.
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FAQ
CVE-2023-39368 is a vulnerability in the Intel Microcode package that allows unauthorized users to potentially enable denial of service via network access.
The vulnerability affects specific versions of the Intel Microcode package on Ubuntu systems, particularly those running versions 14.04, 16.04, 18.04, 20.04, and 22.04.
You can use Vulert, which monitors and alerts for open-source vulnerabilities. By uploading your manifest file like package-lock.json, you can check if your application is affected by this vulnerability.
The CVSS score for CVE-2023-39368 is 6.5, indicating a medium severity level.
For some versions of the Intel Microcode package, a subscription to Ubuntu Pro may be required to access the patched versions. However, for Ubuntu 20.04 and 22.04, no subscription is needed.
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