CVE-2017-3718 in NUC Kit
Summary
by MITRE
Improper setting of device configuration in system firmware for Intel(R) NUC kits may allow a privileged user to potentially enable escalation of privilege via physical access.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/28/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-3718 resides within the firmware implementation of Intel NUC (Next Unit of Computing) kits, representing a critical weakness in the system's device configuration management. This flaw specifically affects the firmware layer where device parameters are initialized and configured during system boot processes. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of device configuration settings that are typically managed at the firmware level, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by malicious actors with physical access to the system. The issue manifests when the firmware fails to properly validate or enforce security boundaries during the configuration phase, potentially allowing unauthorized modification of critical system parameters that should remain protected from user manipulation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a failure in the firmware's privilege separation mechanisms, where configuration settings that should be restricted to privileged system components are instead accessible to users with physical access. This misconfiguration creates a pathway for privilege escalation attacks, as the firmware does not adequately enforce the principle of least privilege when managing device-specific configurations. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the firmware level, making it difficult to detect and remediate through conventional software-based security measures. Attackers with physical access can exploit this weakness to modify system parameters that control device behavior, potentially enabling them to bypass security controls or gain elevated privileges within the system environment. This flaw aligns with CWE-276, which addresses improper privilege management in system components.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-3718 extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it fundamentally compromises the integrity of the system's firmware security model. Systems utilizing affected Intel NUC kits become vulnerable to attacks that can manipulate core device configurations, potentially leading to complete system compromise or unauthorized access to sensitive data. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in environments where physical security is not adequately enforced, as it eliminates the traditional barrier of physical access control. Organizations deploying these systems may experience unauthorized modification of critical firmware parameters, potentially enabling attackers to disable security features or establish persistent access points within the system. This vulnerability directly relates to ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers the exploitation of system vulnerabilities to gain elevated privileges, and T1014, which addresses the modification of system firmware to maintain persistence.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require a multi-layered approach focusing on both firmware-level protections and operational security measures. Organizations should implement firmware update policies that ensure all Intel NUC systems receive the latest security patches from Intel, as the vulnerability has been addressed through firmware updates that properly enforce device configuration restrictions. Physical security controls must be strengthened to prevent unauthorized access to systems, particularly in high-security environments where the risk of exploitation is elevated. The implementation of firmware integrity verification mechanisms can help detect unauthorized modifications to system configurations, while regular security assessments should be conducted to identify potential exploitation attempts. Additionally, system administrators should disable unnecessary device configurations that could be exploited, and implement monitoring solutions that track changes to critical firmware parameters to provide early detection of potential attacks. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining secure firmware implementation practices and highlights the need for continuous security assessment of embedded system components.