New Security Flaw Hits Intel, Laptops this time

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    New Security Flaw Hits Intel, Laptops this time

    New Security Flaw Hits Intel, Laptops this time


    Posted: 12 Jan 2018

    http://www.guru3d.com/news-story/new-security-flaw-hits-intellaptops-this-time.html

    F-Secure has reported another serious flaw in Intel hardware, which could enable hackers to access corporate laptops. Standard password of Intels Management Engine BIOS Extension are rarely changed and can invoke business laptops vulnerable to unauthorized remote access, claims F-Secure.
    Intels Management Engine BIOS Extension, or MEBx, contains the standard log-in combination 'admin', 'admin' and because many users simply do not change it, according to F-Secure this opens the door to an easy to set-up attack. Attackers can open the BIOS Extension during startup with Ctrl + P, even if the user has set a bios password. Then they can manage settings of the Management Engine, reports dw.com.
    "The issue potentially affects millions of laptops globally," said F-Secure consultant Harry Sintonen, who discovered the flaw. "It's of an almost shocking simplicity, but its destructive potential is unbelievable."
    F-Secure said once an attacker had the chance to reconfigure AMT (for which he would initially need physical access to the device in question), the device could be fully controlled remotely by connecting to the same wireless or wired network as the user.
    "No other security measures like full-disk encryption, local firewall, anti-malware software or VPN technology are able to prevent exploitation of this issue," Sintonen warned.
    A successful attack would lead to complete loss of confidentiality, integrity and availability, with the attacker able to read and modify all of the data and applications users have access to on their computers, even at the firmware level.
    Polo6RGTI's Avatar Posted By: Polo6RGTI
    12 Jan 2018


  1. Posts : 26,416
    Windows 11 Pro 22631.3374
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    Just wonderful..When will it end?
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  2. Posts : 856
    Windows 10 Pro 21H2 build 19045.2193 Dual Boot Linux Mint
       #2

    Any one seen my Abacus?
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  3. Posts : 80
    Windows 10
       #3

    Haven't seen yours, but dusting off mine now
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  4. Posts : 13,898
    Win10 Version 22H2 Pro and Home, Win11 Pro and Home
       #4

    I've a couple three Win9x computers from dial-up days in storage, may need to get one out.
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  5. Posts : 936
    xp
       #5

    Says the attacker would first need physical access If someone with malicious intent has physical access to a PC this prolly wouldn't be the only thing you'd have to worry about.
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  6. Posts : 520
    Windows 10
       #6

    Bat 1 said:
    Says the attacker would first need physical access If someone with malicious intent has physical access to a PC this prolly wouldn't be the only thing you'd have to worry about.
    Yeah it's not really a major issue. If your some is able to gain physical access to your device, you have bigger issues.

    This isn't even a flaw, there is no bypass of security here.
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  7. Posts : 68,668
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
       #7
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  8. Posts : 14,046
    Windows 11 Pro X64 22H2 22621.1848
       #8

    Still requires physical access to the laptop. As others have said. Once someone has access to your laptop, no security is valid. I don't see this is as any more serious than any other threats we've been made aware of. If it is, can someone explain how that is so?
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  9. Posts : 856
    Windows 10 Pro 21H2 build 19045.2193 Dual Boot Linux Mint
       #9

    Misuse of the word physical perhaps when they actually just meant access by any means?
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