CVE-2018-12192 in CSME
Summary
by MITRE
Logic bug in Kernel subsystem in Intel CSME before version 11.8.60, 11.11.60, 11.22.60 or 12.0.20, or Intel(R) Server Platform Services before version SPS_E5_04.00.04.393.0 may allow an unauthenticated user to potentially bypass MEBx authentication via physical access.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/16/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-12192 represents a critical logic flaw within the kernel subsystem of Intel's Converged Security and Management Engine (CSME) and Intel Server Platform Services (SPS) implementations. This weakness resides in the authentication mechanisms that govern access to the Management Engine Boot Extension (MEBx) interface, which serves as a crucial administrative portal for system security configuration and monitoring. The vulnerability specifically affects multiple generations of Intel CSME versions prior to 11.8.60, 11.11.60, 11.22.60, and 12.0.20, as well as Intel SPS versions before SPS_E5_04.00.04.393.0, creating a widespread exposure across numerous enterprise and server platforms that rely on Intel's embedded security subsystems for system integrity management.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from a flawed authentication logic implementation that allows unauthorized access to the MEBx interface through physical access methods. The flaw essentially creates a bypass mechanism that enables attackers to circumvent the intended authentication requirements without requiring valid credentials or proper authorization. This logical error occurs within the kernel subsystem where the security checks for MEBx access are improperly validated, allowing an unauthenticated user to gain access to administrative functions that should require proper authentication. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the kernel level, meaning it can potentially grant access to low-level system functions that control security policies, firmware updates, and system monitoring capabilities.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-12192 extends far beyond simple unauthorized access, as it represents a significant compromise of system security integrity. An attacker with physical access to a vulnerable system can potentially manipulate critical security settings, disable security features, or even install malicious firmware modifications that persist across system reboots. This vulnerability directly impacts the principle of least privilege and can enable attackers to gain persistent access to enterprise environments, particularly in data centers and server farms where physical security controls may be insufficient. The implications include potential data breaches, system compromise, and the ability to establish backdoors that could remain undetected for extended periods, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in high-security environments.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigation strategies including firmware updates to the latest versions of Intel CSME and SPS that contain the patched authentication logic. The mitigation approach should also include enhanced physical security measures, particularly for server environments where unauthorized physical access could occur. Network segmentation and monitoring of management interfaces should be strengthened to detect anomalous access patterns, while security teams should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all systems running vulnerable versions of Intel's embedded security subsystems. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-284 which addresses improper access control, and maps to ATT&CK techniques related to privilege escalation and persistence mechanisms through firmware manipulation. Organizations should also consider implementing hardware-based security solutions such as Intel SGX or other trusted platform modules to provide additional layers of protection against such low-level system compromises.