The source code for the BIOS of its 12th generation Alder Lake processors has been confirmed online, with copies being available on sites like 4chan and Github.
A BIOS (basic input/output system) is a software developed by a computer''s microprocessor to start the system as it boots, managing the communications between the computer''s operating system and hardware, such as a hard disk, a keyboard, a mouse, and a printer.
Although no vulnerabilities have been disclosed at the time of writing, this type of leak might potentially reveal bugs in Intel''s hardware that might be exploited.
What was revealed?
The leak is reportedly made up of a 6GB file that consists of tools and code for creating and optimizing BIOS/UEFI images.
If you have found a bug in the source code, you may be interested in getting it to the Intels Project Circuit Breaker (opens in a new tab) bug bounty program. This program will allow between $500 to $100,000 per bug depending on how serious the issue is.
Intel hasn''t given up any evidence of where the leak came from, but claims it was made through a third party.
The truth comes at a time when semiconductor companies are among the most popular targets for cybercriminals.
Nvidia appeared to have been hampered by a possible cyber attack in February 2022, implying that it was forced to remove certain services for certain areas of the business.