How severe is CVE-2020-8738?

CVE-2020-8738 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 6.7, rated medium severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires high privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.

Is CVE-2020-8738 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (25th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2020-8738?

CVE-2020-8738 primarily affects Intel Bios. In total, 6 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.

How do I fix CVE-2020-8738?

Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround.

When was CVE-2020-8738 published?

CVE-2020-8738 was published on 2020-11-12 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2020-8738

CVE-2020-8738 is a medium-severity vulnerability in Intel Bios with a CVSS 3.x base score of 6.7. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-754.

Key facts

Severity: Medium (CVSS 3.x base score 6.7)
CVSS v2: 4.6
EPSS exploit prediction: 0% (25th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-754
Affected product: Intel Bios
Published: 2020-11-12
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

Improper conditions check in Intel BIOS platform sample code for some Intel(R) Processors before may allow a privileged user to potentially enable escalation of privilege via local access.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2020-8738?: Improper conditions check in Intel BIOS platform sample code for some Intel(R) Processors before may allow a privileged user to potentially enable escalation of privilege via local access.
How severe is CVE-2020-8738?: CVE-2020-8738 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 6.7, rated medium severity. It is exploitable over local access with low attack complexity, requires high privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.
Is CVE-2020-8738 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (25th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2020-8738?: CVE-2020-8738 primarily affects Intel Bios. In total, 6 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2020-8738?: Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround.
When was CVE-2020-8738 published?: CVE-2020-8738 was published on 2020-11-12 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

Affected products (6)

cpe:2.3:o:intel:bios:-:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:netapp:cloud_backup:-:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:netapp:fas\/aff_bios:-:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:netapp:hci_compute_node_bios:-:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:netapp:hci_storage_node_bios:-:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:o:netapp:solidfire_bios:-:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

More vulnerabilities in Intel Bios

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CVE-2020-8672 — High (CVSS 7.8): Out of bound read in BIOS firmware for 8th, 9th Generation Intel(R) Core(TM), Intel(R) Celeron(R) Processor 4000 Series…
CVE-2020-8739 — High (CVSS 7.8): Use of potentially dangerous function in Intel BIOS platform sample code for some Intel(R) Processors may allow an…
CVE-2018-3612 — High (CVSS 7.8): Intel NUC kits with insufficient input validation in system firmware, potentially allows a local attacker to elevate…
CVE-2008-7096 — Medium (CVSS 6.9): Intel Desktop and Intel Mobile Boards with BIOS firmware DQ35JO, DQ35MP, DP35DP, DG33FB, DG33BU, DG33TL, MGM965TW,…

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