CVE-2017-5693 in Puma
Summary
by MITRE
Firmware in the Intel Puma 5, 6, and 7 Series might experience resource depletion or timeout, which allows a network attacker to create a denial of service via crafted network traffic.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/11/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-5693 affects the Intel Puma 5, 6, and 7 Series firmware implementations, representing a significant denial of service weakness that can be exploited through network-based attacks. This issue stems from inadequate resource management within the firmware components that control network communication and system operations. The vulnerability specifically targets the firmware's handling of network traffic processing, where malicious actors can craft specific payloads that trigger resource exhaustion or timeout conditions. Such conditions ultimately lead to complete system unavailability and operational disruption for affected devices. The flaw manifests when the firmware fails to properly validate or limit incoming network requests, allowing attackers to consume system resources at an unsustainable rate. This vulnerability directly impacts the reliability and availability of networked devices that rely on Intel Puma series firmware for their operational functionality.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the firmware's insufficient validation mechanisms for network packet processing and resource allocation. When maliciously crafted network traffic is received, the firmware does not adequately implement rate limiting or resource consumption controls that would prevent excessive processing demands. This weakness creates a scenario where network packets can be designed to trigger repeated processing cycles or resource allocation requests that eventually exhaust available system resources. The firmware's timeout handling mechanisms are also insufficient, meaning that once resources are consumed, the system may not properly recover or reset its operational state. This creates a persistent denial of service condition that can be maintained for extended periods without requiring authentication or specialized access privileges. The vulnerability operates at the network protocol level where the firmware processes incoming packets and manages system resources in response to network activity, making it particularly dangerous for networked systems that depend on continuous availability.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-5693 extends beyond simple service interruption to potentially compromise entire network infrastructures that rely on affected devices. Organizations using Intel Puma 5, 6, and 7 Series devices may experience complete system outages that can affect critical operations, especially in environments where these devices serve as network gateways, routers, or security appliances. The vulnerability can be exploited remotely without requiring physical access or authentication credentials, making it particularly dangerous for systems that are exposed to untrusted network traffic. Network administrators may find that traditional monitoring tools fail to detect the gradual resource exhaustion, as the system may appear to be functioning normally until the point of complete failure. The impact is particularly severe in environments where network availability is critical, such as enterprise networks, industrial control systems, or any infrastructure that depends on continuous network connectivity. This vulnerability can also serve as a stepping stone for more sophisticated attacks, as initial denial of service conditions may be used to create opportunities for further exploitation or to mask other malicious activities.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-5693 should focus on both immediate defensive measures and long-term firmware updates. Organizations should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure to untrusted traffic, particularly for devices running affected firmware versions. Network administrators should deploy intrusion detection systems that can monitor for anomalous traffic patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. The most effective long-term solution involves applying firmware updates provided by Intel that address the resource management and timeout handling deficiencies. Security teams should also implement monitoring for unusual resource consumption patterns and establish automated alerting systems to detect potential exploitation attempts. Additionally, network traffic filtering rules can be implemented to limit the types of packets that can reach affected devices, particularly those that might trigger the vulnerable resource handling mechanisms. Organizations should also consider implementing redundant systems and failover mechanisms to maintain operational continuity in case of successful exploitation attempts. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-400 which addresses resource exhaustion issues, and represents a specific implementation of the broader category of denial of service attacks that are catalogued in the ATT&CK framework under the T1499 sub-technique for network denial of service.
The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper resource management in embedded firmware systems and highlights the potential for network-based attacks to compromise system availability. It serves as a reminder that even seemingly minor implementation flaws in firmware can have significant operational consequences. Organizations should conduct regular vulnerability assessments of their embedded systems and maintain up-to-date firmware management processes to address similar issues before they can be exploited. The impact of this vulnerability extends beyond individual device compromise to potentially affect entire network infrastructures, making proactive defense measures essential for maintaining operational resilience. Security professionals should treat this vulnerability as a baseline example of how inadequate resource validation in firmware can create persistent denial of service conditions that are difficult to detect and remediate.