CVE-2021-0159 Privilege escalation in Intel(R) Processors

High 7.8 Published 12 May 2022 Updated 5 May 2025

A privileged local attacker can exploit improper input validation in Intel BIOS to escalate privileges.

Exploited in the wild: Not known
Login needed: Any signed-in user
Attackable: Local or same network only
Victim action needed: Not needed
Fix: None listed

What is CVE-2021-0159?

CVE-2021-0159 is a high-severity vulnerability in Intel(R) Processors, published on 12 May 2022. It can only be exploited from the same machine or local network, with no action from the victim.

Official description

Improper input validation in the BIOS authenticated code module for some Intel(R) Processors may allow a privileged user to potentially enable aescalation of privilege via local access.

Weakness: CWE-20

Which versions are affected by CVE-2021-0159?

It affects 129 products.

Products include Intel Xeon Bronze 3204 Firmware, Intel Xeon Bronze 3206r Firmware, Intel Xeon Gold 5215 Firmware, Intel Xeon Gold 5215l Firmware, Intel Xeon Gold 5217 Firmware, Intel Xeon Gold 5218 Firmware and 123 more.

How do I fix CVE-2021-0159?

No fix has been published for CVE-2021-0159 yet. Limit exposure of the affected software until one is available.

Is CVE-2021-0159 being exploited?

There is no known exploitation of CVE-2021-0159 in the wild and no public exploit code.

CVE-2021-0189 Privilege escalation in Intel(R) Processors High 7.8

Sources

Also known as GHSA-695q-548v-ghxf.