CVE-2017-5736 in Software Guard Extensions Platform Software Component
Summary
by MITRE
An elevation of privilege in Intel Software Guard Extensions Platform Software Component before 1.9.105.42329 allows a local attacker to execute arbitrary code as administrator.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/15/2020
The vulnerability described in CVE-2017-5736 represents a critical elevation of privilege flaw within Intel Software Guard Extensions Platform Software Component, specifically affecting versions prior to 1.9.105.42329. This vulnerability exists within Intel's hardware security framework that enables confidential computing capabilities through secure enclaves. The flaw allows a local attacker with minimal system access to escalate their privileges to administrator level, effectively bypassing the security boundaries that Intel SGX is designed to maintain.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate privilege checking mechanisms within the Intel SGX platform software component. When a local user executes malicious code, the system fails to properly validate the security context of the executing process, allowing unauthorized code execution within the privileged environment. This flaw specifically impacts the software component responsible for managing the secure enclaves and their associated memory protection mechanisms, creating a pathway for privilege escalation attacks that leverage the trust relationships between different security layers.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-5736 is severe and multifaceted, as it fundamentally undermines the security model that Intel SGX was designed to provide. An attacker who gains access to a system with this vulnerability can execute arbitrary code with administrative privileges, potentially leading to complete system compromise. This vulnerability affects organizations that rely on Intel SGX for protecting sensitive data and applications, as it allows attackers to bypass the hardware-based memory encryption and isolation features that are central to the SGX security model. The implications extend beyond individual system compromise to include potential data breaches and unauthorized access to confidential information processed within secure enclaves.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-276, which describes improper privilege management, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers local privilege escalation. The attack vector represents a classic case of privilege escalation through software component flaws, where the attacker exploits a weakness in the software that manages the secure environment rather than targeting the hardware directly. Organizations should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems to address this vulnerability, as the exploitation of such flaws can lead to significant data loss and system compromise. The remediation process requires updating the Intel SGX platform software component to version 1.9.105.42329 or later, ensuring that all systems utilizing Intel SGX technology are properly protected against this privilege escalation attack.