CVE-2018-12202 in Core Processor 7th Generation
Summary
by MITRE
Privilege escalation vulnerability in Platform Sample/ Silicon Reference firmware for 8th Generation Intel(R) Core Processor, 7th Generation Intel(R) Core Processor may allow privileged user to potentially leverage existing features via local access.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/16/2020
This privilege escalation vulnerability exists within the Platform Sample/Silicon Reference firmware for Intel's 8th and 7th generation Core processors, representing a critical security flaw that could enable authenticated users to elevate their privileges through local access. The vulnerability stems from improper privilege handling within the firmware implementation, specifically related to how the system manages access controls and privilege levels during platform initialization and runtime operations. The affected firmware components are part of Intel's reference implementations that serve as baseline designs for system manufacturers to build upon, making this flaw particularly concerning as it affects a fundamental layer of system security.
The technical nature of this vulnerability involves a flaw in the firmware's privilege management mechanisms where legitimate users with existing local access can potentially exploit existing features to gain elevated privileges beyond their intended access levels. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-276, which specifically addresses improper privilege management, and represents a classic case of insufficient access control within firmware environments. The exploitation typically occurs through manipulation of firmware interfaces or by leveraging legitimate system features that should remain restricted to privileged operations. Attackers can potentially abuse this vulnerability to execute code with higher privileges, access restricted system resources, or modify critical firmware components that should only be accessible to authorized administrators.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it affects the foundational security of Intel-based systems, potentially allowing attackers with local access to escalate their privileges and gain unauthorized control over system operations. This could lead to complete system compromise, persistent backdoor access, or the ability to modify system firmware to maintain unauthorized access. The vulnerability affects multiple generations of Intel processors, creating a widespread potential impact across various computing platforms including desktops, laptops, and servers that utilize these chipsets. Systems running affected firmware versions may be vulnerable to attacks that bypass traditional operating system security controls, as the flaw exists at the firmware level where many security measures are implemented.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include immediate firmware updates from Intel and system manufacturers, which typically address the privilege escalation mechanisms by correcting the improper access control implementations. Organizations should prioritize patching affected systems and ensure that firmware updates are applied promptly to close this security gap. Additionally, implementing proper access controls at the operating system level and monitoring for unusual privilege escalation attempts can help detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of firmware security and the need for regular security assessments of low-level system components, as it demonstrates how flaws in firmware can create persistent security risks that extend beyond traditional software security boundaries. System administrators should also consider implementing network segmentation and monitoring solutions to detect and prevent unauthorized access to potentially vulnerable systems.