For some background, Intel issues SINIT authenticated code modules (ACMs) which are used for the trusted boot process. According to this advisory, these modules

For some background, Intel issues SINIT authenticated code modules (ACMs) which are used for the trusted boot process. According to this advisory, these modules are vulnerable to a privilege escalation attack which could compromise system management mode. That compromise is likely undetectable at the kernel level. Here's a background paper on a different attack on SINIT: http://www.invisiblethingslab.com/resources/2011/Attacking_Intel_TXT_via_SINIT_hijacking.pdf http://www.invisiblethingslab.com/resources/2011/Attacking_I...