CVE-2017-5709 in Server Platform Service
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple privilege escalations in kernel in Intel Server Platform Services Firmware 4.0 allows unauthorized process to access privileged content via unspecified vector.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/09/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-5709 represents a critical privilege escalation flaw within the kernel of Intel Server Platform Services Firmware version 4.0. This issue stems from inadequate access controls and security boundaries within the firmware implementation, creating a pathway for unprivileged processes to gain elevated system privileges. The vulnerability specifically affects Intel's server platform services firmware, which serves as a critical component in enterprise server environments where security and system integrity are paramount. The flaw manifests through an unspecified vector that allows unauthorized access to privileged content, potentially enabling attackers to execute arbitrary code with system-level privileges.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability lies in the kernel-level components of the Intel Server Platform Services Firmware where proper privilege separation mechanisms have been compromised. The firmware's kernel module fails to adequately validate access requests from user-space processes, allowing malicious actors to exploit this weakness to escalate their privileges. This type of vulnerability typically falls under CWE-276, which addresses improper privileges, and may also relate to CWE-732, which covers inadequate privilege management. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it enables access to sensitive system resources and data that should only be available to authorized privileged processes.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-5709 is severe within enterprise server environments where Intel Server Platform Services Firmware is deployed. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can gain complete control over the affected system, potentially leading to data breaches, system compromise, and unauthorized access to sensitive corporate information. The vulnerability affects servers that rely on Intel's platform services firmware for system management and monitoring functions, making it particularly dangerous in data center environments. This flaw can be exploited by local attackers who already have access to the system, but the privilege escalation capability means that even limited access can be leveraged to achieve full system compromise.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate firmware updates from Intel to address the privilege escalation flaw in the kernel components. System administrators should prioritize patching affected servers and implementing additional security controls such as kernel lockdown mechanisms and privilege separation policies. The mitigation approach aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which addresses local privilege escalation, and should include monitoring for unusual privilege escalation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date firmware and implementing robust security controls in enterprise server environments where firmware-level security is critical for overall system integrity.