CVE-2025-20028
TOCTOU Race Condition in Intel WheaERST SMM Module Enables Privilege Escalation
Publication date: 2026-03-10
Last updated on: 2026-03-10
Assigner: Intel Corporation
Description
Description
CVSS Scores
EPSS Scores
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Meta Information
Affected Vendors & Products
| Vendor | Product | Version / Range |
|---|---|---|
| intel | wheaerst_smm | * |
Helpful Resources
Exploitability
| CWE ID | Description |
|---|---|
| CWE-367 | The product checks the state of a resource before using that resource, but the resource's state can change between the check and the use in a way that invalidates the results of the check. |
Attack-Flow Graph
AI Powered Q&A
Can you explain this vulnerability to me?
This vulnerability is a time-of-check time-of-use (TOCTOU) race condition in the WheaERST SMM module found on some Intel reference platforms. It may allow an attacker with privileged user access and the ability to perform a complex local attack to escalate their privileges. The attack does not require special internal knowledge or user interaction.
How can this vulnerability impact me? :
The vulnerability can impact the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the vulnerable system at a high level. However, the description notes that subsequent impacts on system confidentiality, integrity, and availability are none, indicating that the primary risk is the escalation of privilege itself rather than direct damage to system data or availability.
How does this vulnerability affect compliance with common standards and regulations (like GDPR, HIPAA)?:
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How can this vulnerability be detected on my network or system? Can you suggest some commands?
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What immediate steps should I take to mitigate this vulnerability?
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