CVE-2017-5711 in Manageability Engine
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple buffer overflows in Active Management Technology (AMT) in Intel Manageability Engine Firmware 8.x/9.x/10.x/11.0/11.5/11.6/11.7/11.10/11.20 allow attacker with local access to the system to execute arbitrary code with AMT execution privilege.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/24/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-5711 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within Intel's Active Management Technology framework, specifically affecting Manageability Engine firmware versions 8.x through 11.20. This vulnerability resides in the core firmware component that enables remote system management capabilities, making it particularly dangerous due to its deep integration with system hardware and its privileged execution context. The flaw manifests as multiple buffer overflows that can be exploited by an attacker who already possesses local access to the target system, creating a significant security risk that extends beyond traditional software vulnerabilities.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and memory management within the Intel Manageability Engine's firmware code. Buffer overflows occur when the system writes more data to a fixed-length buffer than it can accommodate, leading to memory corruption that can be manipulated by attackers to overwrite critical program execution flow. This particular flaw affects the AMT implementation within Intel's ME firmware, which operates at a privilege level that is significantly higher than standard user applications, allowing successful exploitation to grant attackers elevated execution privileges. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-121 as a stack-based buffer overflow, though it likely involves multiple overflow conditions across different code paths within the ME firmware.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-5711 is substantial given that the affected systems typically operate in enterprise environments where local access is often achievable through various attack vectors such as physical access, credential compromise, or exploitation of other vulnerabilities. When successfully exploited, the vulnerability allows attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the AMT execution environment, which can lead to complete system compromise, persistent backdoor establishment, or lateral movement within network infrastructure. The Manageability Engine's ability to operate independently of the main operating system creates a persistent threat vector that can survive system reboots and operating system updates, making it particularly concerning for enterprise security postures.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-5711 must address both immediate defensive measures and long-term architectural considerations. The most effective immediate mitigation involves disabling Intel Active Management Technology functionality through BIOS/UEFI settings when the feature is not actively required, though this may impact remote management capabilities. System administrators should also implement strict physical security controls and monitor for unusual network activity that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, Intel released firmware updates to address the vulnerability, though the complexity of ME firmware updates and potential compatibility issues often delay deployment. Organizations should also consider network segmentation and monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts, as the vulnerability can be leveraged for persistent access even when the system is not actively being managed remotely. The attack surface is further complicated by the fact that the ME firmware operates at a level below the operating system, making traditional security controls less effective and requiring specialized approaches for comprehensive protection.