Intel 'Downfall': Severe flaw in billions of CPUs leaks passwords and much more
Intel 'Downfall': Severe flaw in billions of CPUs leaks passwords and much more
There is a serious security flaw in billions of Intel CPUs that can let attackers steal confidential data like passwords and encryption keys. Firmware updates can fix it, but at a potential significant performance loss.
Oh no.
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This vulnerability, identified as CVE-2022-40982, enables a user to access and steal data from other users who share the same computer.
So just continue not letting people use my computer, got it. Very simple fix.
Shared use of servers is probably the main issue
It appears that users in this case include agents such as software. A bit confusing for the general public.
For instance, a malicious app obtained from an app store could use the Downfall attack to steal sensitive information like passwords, encryption keys, and private data such as banking details, personal emails, and messages.
It can theoretically even be exploited via a browser:
[Q] What about web browsers?
[A] In theory, remotely exploiting this vulnerability from the web browser is possible. In practice, demonstrating successful attacks via web browsers requires additional research and engineering efforts.
I think it also means software running can access other software's memory which is probably bad but personally I'm not keen for that performance hit on my desktop