Bypassing Self-Encrypting Drive Protection on Lenovo ThinkPad W541 Laptops
CVE-2015-7269
4.2MEDIUM
What is CVE-2015-7269?
The Seagate ST500LT015 hard disk drives exhibit a vulnerability when utilized in eDrive mode on Lenovo ThinkPad W541 laptops configured with BIOS version 2.21. This flaw allows attackers in physical proximity to exploit the drive's self-encrypting features. By connecting a second SATA connector to exposed pins and maintaining an alternate power source, an attacker can perform a 'Hot Unplug Attack.' This method enables unauthorized access to confidential data stored on the drive, bypassing the intended protection mechanisms of the Self-Encrypting Drive (SED). The implications of such a vulnerability pose significant risks to data integrity and security for users employing these drives in sensitive environments.