CVE-2018-12205 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 unauthenticated user to potentially execute arbitrary code via physical 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 implementation for Intel's 8th and 7th generation Core processors, representing a critical security flaw that undermines the fundamental integrity of the system's boot and runtime environments. The vulnerability stems from insufficient access controls and authentication mechanisms within the firmware's privileged execution paths, allowing an attacker with physical access to bypass normal security boundaries and escalate privileges to the highest system levels.
The technical flaw manifests through improper validation of firmware update processes and insufficient protection of privileged execution contexts. Attackers can exploit this weakness by leveraging physical access to manipulate firmware components during boot processes or runtime operations, potentially enabling arbitrary code execution with kernel-level privileges. This represents a classic case of insufficient privilege separation where the firmware fails to properly authenticate and authorize access to critical system resources, creating an attack surface that violates the principle of least privilege. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-284 which addresses improper access control in software systems, and more specifically with CWE-377 which deals with insecure temporary file creation in firmware contexts.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple privilege escalation, as it provides attackers with complete control over the system's hardware abstraction layer and underlying platform functionality. An unauthenticated user with physical access can potentially install malicious firmware modifications, modify system configuration parameters, or establish persistent backdoors that survive system reboots. This capability fundamentally compromises the security model of the platform, as the firmware serves as the foundation for all system security measures including secure boot processes, memory protection, and hardware-based security features. The attack vector through physical access means that traditional network-based security controls become ineffective against this threat, requiring a complete reassessment of physical security measures and supply chain integrity.
Mitigation strategies must address both the immediate firmware-level vulnerabilities and broader system security requirements. Organizations should implement robust firmware integrity checking mechanisms, enable secure boot features with proper cryptographic validation, and establish strict physical access controls for systems running vulnerable firmware versions. The mitigation approach should align with ATT&CK framework's T1068 which covers local privilege escalation techniques, and T1542 which addresses privilege escalation through exploitation of software vulnerabilities. Additionally, firmware update procedures must be secured with proper authentication and integrity verification to prevent unauthorized modifications, while hardware-based security features such as Intel's Platform Trust Technology should be enabled to provide additional layers of protection against such attacks. Regular firmware audits and supply chain security assessments become critical components of maintaining system integrity against this class of vulnerability.