Description
Always-incorrect control flow implementation in some firmware for some Intel(R) Xeon(R) processors may allow an escalation of privilege. System software adversary with a privileged user combined with a high complexity attack may enable escalation of privilege. This result may potentially occur via local access when attack requirements are not present without special internal knowledge and requires no user interaction. The potential vulnerability may impact the confidentiality (none), integrity (none) and availability (none) of the vulnerable system, resulting in subsequent system confidentiality (high), integrity (high) and availability (none) impacts.
Published: 2026-08-11
Score: 4.5 Medium
EPSS: < 1% Very Low
KEV: No
Impact: n/a
Action: n/a
AI Analysis

Impact

A flaw in the firmware of certain Intel Xeon processors arises from an always‑incorrect control flow that allows a local attacker with privileged access to bypass normal authorization checks and gain elevated privileges. This escalation can compromise the confidentiality and integrity of the system, potentially leading to broad system compromise once the attacker obtains higher privileges. The weakness is classified as CWE‑670, indicating improper restriction of operations within the code path.

Affected Systems

Intel Xeon processors that run the vulnerable firmware are affected. No specific firmware versions were disclosed, so any Xeon processor not currently running the patched firmware release is potentially vulnerable. The scope includes all servers and workstations equipped with affected Xeon processors.

Risk and Exploitability

The CVSS score of 4.5 reflects a moderate severity, and the EPSS score of less than 1% indicates a very low probability of exploitation at this time. The exploit requires local access, a privileged user account, and a high‑complexity attack chain, with no user interaction. Because the vulnerability is not listed in the CISA KEV catalog and no public exploit is documented, the immediate risk is low, yet remediation is advisable.

Generated by OpenCVE AI on August 12, 2026 at 21:55 UTC.

Remediation

No vendor fix or workaround currently provided.

OpenCVE Recommended Actions

  • Deploy the firmware update or patch released by Intel as described in the security advisory linked above.
  • Until the firmware is updated, restrict local administrative access on systems with Xeon processors and enforce the principle of least privilege for all accounts that can interact with the firmware.
  • After deployment, monitor system logs and privilege‑related activity for any suspicious attempts to perform unauthorized privilege escalation.

Generated by OpenCVE AI on August 12, 2026 at 21:55 UTC.

Tracking

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Advisories

No advisories yet.

History

Thu, 13 Aug 2026 04:00:00 +0000

Type Values Removed Values Added
First Time appeared Intel
Intel xeon Processors
Vendors & Products Intel
Intel xeon Processors

Wed, 12 Aug 2026 22:15:00 +0000

Type Values Removed Values Added
Title Privilege Escalation via Incorrect Firmware Control Flow in Intel Xeon Processors

Wed, 12 Aug 2026 16:30:00 +0000

Type Values Removed Values Added
Metrics ssvc

{'options': {'Automatable': 'no', 'Exploitation': 'none', 'Technical Impact': 'partial'}, 'version': '2.0.3'}


Tue, 11 Aug 2026 17:00:00 +0000

Type Values Removed Values Added
Description Always-incorrect control flow implementation in some firmware for some Intel(R) Xeon(R) processors may allow an escalation of privilege. System software adversary with a privileged user combined with a high complexity attack may enable escalation of privilege. This result may potentially occur via local access when attack requirements are not present without special internal knowledge and requires no user interaction. The potential vulnerability may impact the confidentiality (none), integrity (none) and availability (none) of the vulnerable system, resulting in subsequent system confidentiality (high), integrity (high) and availability (none) impacts.
Weaknesses CWE-670
References
Metrics cvssV4_0

{'score': 4.5, 'vector': 'CVSS:4.0/AV:L/AC:H/AT:N/PR:H/UI:N/VC:N/VI:N/VA:N/SC:H/SI:H/SA:N'}


Subscriptions

Intel Xeon Processors
cve-icon MITRE

Status: PUBLISHED

Assigner: intel

Published:

Updated: 2026-08-12T15:51:47.407Z

Reserved: 2025-12-09T04:00:18.710Z

Link: CVE-2026-20713

cve-icon Vulnrichment

Updated: 2026-08-12T15:51:43.851Z

cve-icon NVD

Status : Awaiting Analysis

Published: 2026-08-11T17:17:49.633

Modified: 2026-08-12T20:54:11.500

Link: CVE-2026-20713

cve-icon Redhat

No data.

cve-icon OpenCVE Enrichment

Updated: 2026-08-13T03:45:02Z

Weaknesses
  • CWE-670

    Always-Incorrect Control Flow Implementation