NVIDIA DGX servers: Improper Authentication
CVE-2023-0209 is a high-severity improper authentication vulnerability in NVIDIA DGX servers from NVIDIA, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.8 out of 10. It can be exploited with local access to the system by an attacker with a low-privileged account, without any action from a user. Affected NVIDIA DGX servers versions: All SBIOS prior to S2W_3A13. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.2% chance of exploitation within 30 days, which is low compared with other CVEs.
High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.
What to do
- Update Sbios to 52w_3a13 or a later version.
- Read the advisory on nvidia.custhelp.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| NVIDIA | NVIDIA DGX servers | All SBIOS prior to S2W_3A13 | Not stated |
| NVIDIA | Sbios | before 52w_3a13 | 52w_3a13 |
Version data comes from the organisation that assigned the CVE. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.
How the severity score breaks down
- Attack vector
- LocalThe attacker needs local access or must trick a user into running something.
- Attack complexity
- LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
- Privileges required
- LowA basic user account is enough.
- User interaction
- NoneNo action by a victim is required.
- Scope
- UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
- Confidentiality
- HighAll data handled by the component can be read.
- Integrity
- HighData or code can be modified at will.
- Availability
- HighThe component can be taken down completely.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by NVD.
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 3.1 | 8.2 | High | CNA (nvidia.com) |
| CVSS 3.1 | 7.8 | High | NVD |
Official description
NVIDIA DGX-1 SBIOS contains a vulnerability in the Uncore PEI module, where authentication of the code executed by SSA is missing, which may lead to arbitrary code execution, denial of service, escalation of privileges assisted by a firmware implant, information disclosure assisted by a firmware implant, data tampering, and SecureBoot bypass.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Improper Authentication
When an actor claims to have a given identity, the product does not prove or insufficiently proves that the claim is correct.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- Use an authentication framework or library such as the OWASP ESAPI Authentication feature.
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: no, technical impact: total).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Other vulnerabilities in NVIDIA DGX servers
- 7.8 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 8.2 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
Recent Improper Authentication vulnerabilities
- 7.5 High severity
PaperCut NG/MF Improper Authentication Exploited
- 7.5 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 7.1 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
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