CVE-2023-2993: Vulnerability in Lenovo System Management Module and Fan Power Controller
Overview of CVE-2023-2993
CVE-2023-2993 is a medium severity vulnerability identified in Lenovo's System Management Module (SMM) and Fan Power Controller (FPC). This vulnerability arises when a valid, authenticated user with limited privileges exploits specifically crafted web management server API calls, leading to the execution of commands that the user would not normally have permission to execute. The affected versions include various iterations of SMM v1, SMM v2, and FPC.
Impact and Metrics
The Common Vulnerability Scoring System (CVSS) v3.1 has assigned a base score of 5.4 to this vulnerability, indicating a medium level of severity. The key metrics related to this vulnerability include:
- Attack Complexity: Low
- Attack Vector: Network
- Availability Impact: None
- Confidentiality Impact: Low
- Integrity Impact: Low
- Privileges Required: Low
The attack occurs through network vectors, and no user interaction is required, which underscores the importance of addressing this vulnerability promptly.
Vulnerable Components
The following components have been noted as affected:
- System Management Module (SMM): Various versions are affected.
- Fan Power Controller (FPC): Various versions are affected.
It should be noted that while the SMM and FPC are subject to this vulnerability, other Lenovo products may not be affected.
Mitigation Strategies
To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2023-2993, organizations using Lenovo's SMM and FPC are advised to take the following actions:
- Firmware Upgrade: It is crucial to upgrade to the firmware version (or newer) indicated for your model in the advisory. This can be done by following the instructions provided at https://support.lenovo.com/us/en/product_security/LEN-127357.
- Monitor User Privileges: Regularly review and restrict the privileges granted to authenticated users, ensuring that they are limited to what is necessary for their role.
- Implement Network Security Measures: Utilize firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor unusual access patterns and to limit exposure of SMM and FPC to untrusted networks.
Conclusion
CVE-2023-2993 poses a significant risk to systems using affected versions of Lenovo's SMM and FPC. By implementing the recommended firmware upgrades and enhancing security measures, organizations can protect themselves from potential unauthorized access and ensure better integrity of their systems.