CVE-2023-29495 is a high-severity vulnerability affecting Intel NUC BIOS firmware versions prior to IN0048. The flaw arises from improper input validation within the BIOS firmware, which can be exploited by a privileged local user to escalate their privileges further. Specifically, this vulnerability allows a user who already has some level of privileged access (e.g., administrative or local system access) to gain elevated control over the system, potentially reaching the highest privilege levels such as SYSTEM or root. The vulnerability is local access only, meaning an attacker must have physical or logical access to the affected machine. The CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.5 reflects a high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, with the scope being changed, indicating that the vulnerability affects components beyond the initially compromised privilege boundary. The attack complexity is high, requiring a privileged user and no user interaction is needed beyond that. Although no known exploits are currently reported in the wild, the potential for privilege escalation in BIOS firmware is critical because BIOS operates at a very low level, controlling hardware initialization and system boot processes. Successful exploitation could allow attackers to install persistent malware, bypass security controls, or manipulate system firmware settings, leading to long-term compromise. Intel NUC devices are compact, widely used mini-PCs in both consumer and enterprise environments, including in office workstations and edge computing scenarios. The vulnerability underscores the importance of updating BIOS firmware to version IN0048 or later to remediate the issue.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk especially in environments where Intel NUC devices are deployed for critical tasks such as digital signage, IoT gateways, edge computing, or compact office workstations. An attacker with local privileged access could leverage this flaw to gain full control over the device, potentially compromising sensitive data, disrupting operations, or establishing persistent footholds within corporate networks. The ability to escalate privileges at the BIOS level could also allow attackers to bypass endpoint security solutions, making detection and remediation more difficult. This is particularly concerning for sectors with high security requirements such as finance, government, healthcare, and critical infrastructure within Europe. Additionally, organizations with distributed or remote workforces using Intel NUCs may face increased risk if physical security controls are insufficient. The lack of known exploits in the wild currently reduces immediate threat but does not eliminate the risk, as threat actors could develop exploits given the public disclosure. Therefore, European organizations should prioritize firmware updates and review local access controls to mitigate potential exploitation.

1. Immediate deployment of the BIOS firmware update to version IN0048 or later on all affected Intel NUC devices is critical to remediate the vulnerability. 2. Implement strict local access controls to prevent unauthorized users from gaining privileged access to devices, including physical security measures and user account management. 3. Employ endpoint security solutions capable of monitoring BIOS integrity and detecting unauthorized firmware modifications. 4. Use hardware-based security features such as Intel Boot Guard and Trusted Platform Module (TPM) to enhance firmware security and prevent unauthorized BIOS changes. 5. Regularly audit and restrict administrative privileges on local systems to minimize the number of users who could exploit this vulnerability. 6. Incorporate BIOS firmware update verification into patch management processes to ensure timely and consistent application of security updates. 7. Educate IT staff and users about the risks of local privilege escalation and the importance of maintaining updated firmware and secure access policies.