CVE-2017-5705 in Manageability Engine
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple buffer overflows in kernel in Intel Manageability Engine Firmware 11.0/11.5/11.6/11.7/11.10/11.20 allow attacker with local access to the system to execute arbitrary code.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/24/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-5705 represents a critical security flaw within the Intel Manageability Engine firmware versions 11.0 through 11.20, affecting the kernel-level components of Intel's management engine architecture. This vulnerability manifests as multiple buffer overflows that occur during the processing of certain input data within the firmware's kernel routines. The Intel Manageability Engine operates as a separate computing subsystem within Intel processors, providing remote management capabilities and running independently of the main operating system. These buffer overflow conditions arise when the firmware fails to properly validate input lengths before copying data into fixed-size buffers, creating opportunities for attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an attacker to possess local access to the system, as the buffer overflows occur within the kernel context of the manageability engine firmware. This local privilege requirement significantly limits the attack surface compared to remotely exploitable vulnerabilities, yet the implications remain severe due to the privileged execution context. The buffer overflow conditions can be triggered through crafted inputs that exceed the allocated buffer sizes, leading to memory corruption that allows arbitrary code execution within the privileged firmware environment. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-121, which specifically addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and aligns with the broader category of CWE-787, heap-based buffer overflows, depending on the specific implementation details of the affected memory regions.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-5705 extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as the compromised firmware component operates with elevated privileges and can potentially bypass traditional operating system security controls. Attackers who successfully exploit this vulnerability could gain complete control over the system's management functions, potentially enabling persistent backdoor access, data exfiltration, or further escalation attacks. The manageability engine's functionality includes remote system management capabilities, network access, and hardware-level control features that, when compromised, provide attackers with unprecedented access to system resources. This vulnerability directly relates to the ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter, as well as T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation, since the compromised firmware can execute arbitrary code with root-level privileges.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-5705 primarily focus on firmware updates from Intel, as the vulnerability exists within the proprietary firmware components that require official patches for remediation. System administrators should prioritize updating to the latest Intel Manageability Engine firmware versions that contain the necessary security fixes. Additionally, implementing hardware-based security features such as Intel's vPro technology with proper configuration can help limit the attack surface. Network segmentation and access controls should be enforced to restrict local access to systems containing vulnerable firmware. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of firmware integrity monitoring and the need for organizations to maintain comprehensive inventory tracking of all firmware components within their infrastructure. Security professionals should consider implementing behavioral monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous activity from the manageability engine, as traditional network-based intrusion detection systems may not effectively identify attacks targeting these firmware-level vulnerabilities.