Tanveer Singh Kapoor, Pune
Many Intel CPUs have been reported to have security vulnerabilities because of a flaw called “Downfall” in Intel’s internal chip design, according to Daniel Moghimi, a senior research scientist from the University of California in San Diego.
Skilled hackers can steal passwords and other sensitive information from servers and computers that use Intel processors. The company has also acknowledged this issue.
Both server-class and mainstream processors from Intel are among the affected chips. When these chips are paired with compromised software, hackers are able to access sensitive information. Intel has given it a severity rating of medium with a 6.5 CVSS base score.
“Downfall” is said to target the Gather Instructions, which are normally used for quick access to data. Hackers can now capture sensitive information from the affected computers by using this feature.
Moghimi said that everyone on the internet is affected by this. Intel has acknowledged this setback by publishing the list of processors affected by this flaw. The company has also released an update to fix the security issue, urging users to update the firmware to be on the safe side.
However, the new software update is said to affect performance by up to 50%. This is an optional update, and users who prefer to retain the full potential of the processors can opt out of it.