CVE-2018-12172 in S7200AP
Summary
by MITRE
Improper password hashing in firmware in Intel Server Board (S7200AP,S7200APR) and Intel Compute Module (HNS7200AP, HNS7200AP) may allow a privileged user to potentially disclose firmware passwords via local access.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/01/2020
This vulnerability resides in the firmware implementations of specific Intel server boards and compute modules, namely the S7200AP and S7200APR server boards along with the HNS7200AP compute modules. The issue stems from improper password hashing mechanisms that are implemented within the firmware code, creating a significant security weakness that could be exploited by malicious actors with local access privileges. The vulnerability is classified as a weakness in password handling and storage, representing a fundamental flaw in how sensitive authentication credentials are processed and maintained within the system firmware.
The technical flaw manifests in the inadequate cryptographic hashing of firmware passwords, which allows a privileged user with local access to potentially extract and disclose these passwords. This improper implementation violates standard security practices for credential storage and demonstrates a failure to apply appropriate hashing algorithms with sufficient entropy. The vulnerability specifically affects the firmware level rather than the operating system, making it particularly concerning as it operates below the traditional security boundaries where most protection mechanisms are implemented. This weakness creates a persistent risk that remains active throughout the system lifecycle and cannot be easily remediated through standard software updates alone.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential disclosure, as it provides attackers with a pathway to gain deeper system access and potentially escalate privileges within the firmware environment. Attackers with local access can exploit this weakness to obtain firmware passwords that may grant them administrative control over system configuration settings, update mechanisms, and other critical firmware functions. This access could enable unauthorized modifications to system parameters, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where firmware-level access can be used to maintain persistent backdoors or to manipulate system security policies that govern access controls and authentication mechanisms.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require a multi-layered approach that includes immediate firmware updates from Intel to address the hashing implementation flaws, along with enhanced access controls to limit local system access. Organizations should implement strict physical security measures for server environments to prevent unauthorized local access, as the vulnerability requires local privileges to exploit effectively. The implementation of additional monitoring mechanisms for firmware access attempts and credential-related activities can help detect potential exploitation attempts. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-521 Weak Password Requirements and CWE-310 Cryptographic Issues, and represents a specific instance of how firmware security flaws can create persistent attack vectors that align with ATT&CK techniques related to privilege escalation and credential access through firmware manipulation. System administrators should also consider implementing hardware-based security features such as TPM modules and secure boot mechanisms to add additional layers of protection against firmware-level attacks.