CVE-2023-44297 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

A security vulnerability has been identified in Dell PowerEdge platforms 16G Intel E5 BIOS and Dell Precision BIOS, version 1.4.4, that could allow an unauthenticated physical attacker to exploit the system, leading to various security risks.

Understanding CVE-2023-44297

This section provides detailed insights into CVE-2023-44297, outlining the vulnerability, its impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2023-44297?

The CVE-2023-44297 concerns an active debug code security vulnerability in Dell PowerEdge platforms 16G Intel E5 BIOS and Dell Precision BIOS, version 1.4.4. This vulnerability could enable an unauthenticated physical attacker to compromise the system, potentially resulting in information disclosure, tampering, code execution, and denial of service.

The Impact of CVE-2023-44297

The impact of CVE-2023-44297 is significant, with a CVSSv3.1 base score of 7.1 (High Severity). It poses risks such as information disclosure, information tampering, code execution, and denial of service. The vulnerability's attack complexity is high, with a physical attack vector and high impacts on confidentiality and integrity.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-44297

This section delves into the specific technical details of the CVE-2023-44297 vulnerability, including its description, affected systems, and exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The security flaw in Dell PowerEdge platforms 16G Intel E5 BIOS and Dell Precision BIOS, version 1.4.4, contains active debug code that could be leveraged by an unauthenticated physical attacker for malicious purposes, potentially leading to severe consequences.

Affected Systems and Versions

The affected systems include PowerEdge R660, PowerEdge R760, PowerEdge C6620, PowerEdge MX760c, PowerEdge R860, PowerEdge R960, PowerEdge HS5610, PowerEdge HS5620, PowerEdge R660xs, PowerEdge R760xs, PowerEdge R760xd2, PowerEdge T560, and PowerEdge R760xa running BIOS version 1.4.4.

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by an unauthenticated physical attacker who could potentially abuse the debug code present in the affected BIOS versions to gain unauthorized access, manipulate information, execute arbitrary code, or disrupt services.

Mitigation and Prevention

This section provides guidance on mitigating the risks associated with CVE-2023-44297, offering steps to address the vulnerability and enhance system security.

Immediate Steps to Take

Immediate actions include applying security updates, restricting physical access to the affected systems, and monitoring for any unauthorized activities that could indicate an exploitation attempt.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing robust access controls, conducting regular security audits, and ensuring timely application of security patches are essential long-term practices to enhance system resilience against similar vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Refer to the vendor advisory for Dell PowerEdge server BIOS to access the necessary security updates and patches to address the debug code security vulnerability in affected systems.