A critical vulnerability in Intel chips discovered nearly a decade ago allows hackers to gain complete control computers Windows affected without needing a password.
The vulnerability revealed by Intel and marked as critical last week is Intel's Active Management feature (also known as AMT), which allows administrators to remotely run computers.
AMT also allows the administrator to remotely control the keyboard and mouse of the computer, even if the computer is off.
AMT is also accessible through the browser even when the remote computer is on Sleep. It is protected by a password set by the administrator.
Το πρόβλημα είναι ότι ένας hacker μπορεί να εισάγει έναν κενό κωδικό πρόσβασης και να αποκτήσει πλήρη δικαιώματα στην κονσόλα ιστού, σύμφωνα με ανεξάρτητες τεχνικές αναλύσεις από two εργαστήρια έρευνας ασφαλείας.
The researchers of Embedi, who found the error, they explained in one white paper published on Friday that the defect exists because the default "admin" account for the web interface can be logged in without the user passwords.
Intel has so far not mentioned how many systems are affected.
However, a search in Shodan, the machine search for open ports and databases, shows that more than 8.500 devices are currently vulnerable, with 3.000 in the US alone. But there could be thousands of other compromised devices on internal networks.
In a statement, Intel said it was working with partners to address the issue and "expects officials to make updates available from the beginning of the week on May 8."
So far, the DellThe FujitsuThe HP, And the Lenovo have issued safety tips with instructions on when to fix the vulnerability. Consumer devices are not affected by the error.
Intel also published one tracking tool to determine if your systems are affected.