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Unrated severityNVD Advisory· Published Jul 30, 2020· Updated Aug 4, 2024

CVE-2020-10713

CVE-2020-10713

Description

A buffer overflow in GRUB2 allows arbitrary code execution during boot, bypassing Secure Boot protections.

AI Insight

LLM-synthesized narrative grounded in this CVE's description and references.

A buffer overflow in GRUB2 allows arbitrary code execution during boot, bypassing Secure Boot protections.

Vulnerability

The vulnerability resides in the GRUB2 bootloader, versions prior to 2.06. It is caused by incorrect bounds checking when parsing GRUB2 configuration files [1][2]. An attacker can craft a malicious configuration file that triggers a buffer overflow, leading to arbitrary code execution within the GRUB2 environment [2]. This affects virtually all operating systems using GRUB2 with Secure Boot, including Linux distributions, Windows devices using the Microsoft Third Party UEFI CA, and systems supporting other kernels like Xen [1]. The flaw also compromises systems that do not directly use GRUB2 but rely on signed bootloaders that trust it [1].

Exploitation

To exploit this vulnerability, an attacker requires prior access to the target system, such as physical access, the ability to alter a PXE-boot network, or remote root access to a networked system [1][2]. With such access, the attacker can craft a specially designed string in the GRUB2 configuration file to cause a buffer overflow, injecting a malicious payload [1][2]. This can be done without needing to bypass Secure Boot initially, as GRUB2 itself is trusted by the boot chain [1]. The exploitation does not require user interaction, as it occurs during the boot process before the operating system loads [2].

Impact

Successful exploitation allows an attacker to execute arbitrary code in the GRUB2 context, effectively hijacking the boot process [1][2]. This enables the installation of persistent and stealthy bootkits or malicious bootloaders, granting near-total control over the victim device [1]. The attacker can bypass Secure Boot protections, tamper with the verification process, and load untrusted or modified kernels [1][2]. The impact compromises confidentiality, integrity, and availability, as the attacker can read sensitive data, modify system files, or prevent the system from booting [1].

Mitigation

The vulnerability is patched in GRUB2 version 2.06 [1]. Mitigation requires updating to a fixed GRUB2, re-signing bootloaders, and deploying updated UEFI revocation lists to block vulnerable versions [1][3]. Vendors, including Cisco and VMware, have released software updates for their affected products [2][3]. If no fix is available, organizations should apply workarounds such as restricting physical and network access to systems [1]. The vulnerability is not listed on the CISA KEV as of this writing. Not yet disclosed in the available references for additional workarounds.

References
  1. There's a Hole in the Boot
  2. Cisco Security Advisory: GRUB2 Arbitrary Code Execution Vulnerability
  3. VMware response to GRUB2 security vulnerability CVE-2020-10713

AI Insight generated on May 27, 2026. Synthesized from this CVE's description and the cited reference URLs; citations are validated against the source bundle.

Affected products

54

Patches

0

No patches discovered yet.

Vulnerability mechanics

No source-code context for this CVE — mechanics is only generated when we can read the actual fix diff. Without that, the four sections (root cause, attack vector, affected code, fix) would be speculation rather than analysis.

References

13

News mentions

0

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