CVE-2021-0124 is a vulnerability identified in the firmware of certain Intel(R) processors that involves improper access control mechanisms. This flaw allows a privileged user with physical access to the affected system to potentially escalate their privileges beyond their current level. The vulnerability arises from insufficient restrictions in the processor firmware, which could be exploited to gain higher privileges, thereby compromising the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the system. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 6.6, indicating a medium severity level. The attack vector is physical (AV:P), meaning the attacker must have physical access to the hardware. The attack complexity is low (AC:L), and the attacker requires some privileges (PR:L) but no user interaction (UI:N). The scope is unchanged (S:U), and the impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability is high (C:H/I:H/A:H). There are no known exploits in the wild, and no specific patch links are provided in the information. The vulnerability affects certain Intel processors, but the exact affected versions are not detailed here. Because the vulnerability requires physical access and some level of privilege, it is less likely to be exploited remotely but poses a significant risk in environments where physical security is not tightly controlled or where insiders could abuse their access. This vulnerability could be leveraged to bypass security controls, escalate privileges, and potentially take full control of the system firmware, leading to persistent and stealthy compromise.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2021-0124 depends heavily on the physical security posture and the deployment of affected Intel processors. Organizations with sensitive environments such as government agencies, critical infrastructure, financial institutions, and data centers could face significant risks if attackers or malicious insiders gain physical access to systems. The ability to escalate privileges at the firmware level can lead to complete system compromise, data breaches, and disruption of services. This is particularly concerning for sectors that rely on Intel processors extensively and where physical access controls may be less stringent, such as branch offices, manufacturing plants, or remote sites. Additionally, the high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability means that successful exploitation could result in theft of sensitive data, installation of persistent malware, and denial of service. However, the requirement for physical access and existing privilege reduces the likelihood of widespread remote attacks, making this vulnerability more relevant in targeted attack scenarios or insider threat contexts.

To mitigate the risk posed by CVE-2021-0124, European organizations should implement strict physical security controls to prevent unauthorized access to hardware, including locked server rooms, surveillance, and access logging. Organizations should ensure that only trusted personnel have privileged access to systems with affected Intel processors. Firmware updates and patches from Intel should be applied promptly once available; organizations should monitor Intel advisories and coordinate with hardware vendors for updates. Employing hardware-based security features such as Intel Boot Guard and Trusted Platform Module (TPM) can help protect firmware integrity. Additionally, organizations should implement strong endpoint security measures, including monitoring for unusual privilege escalations and firmware tampering. Regular audits and inventory of hardware assets can help identify vulnerable systems. For high-security environments, consider using tamper-evident seals and intrusion detection mechanisms on physical hardware. Finally, training and awareness programs for staff about the risks of physical access and insider threats can reduce the likelihood of exploitation.