CVE-2018-18093 in VTune Amplifier
Summary
by MITRE
Improper file permissions in the installer for Intel VTune Amplifier 2018 Update 3 and before may allow unprivileged user to potentially gain privileged access via local access.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/20/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-18093 represents a critical privilege escalation flaw within the Intel VTune Amplifier installation process. This issue affects versions 2018 Update 3 and earlier, where the installer fails to properly configure file permissions for certain components, creating a pathway for unauthorized users to potentially elevate their privileges. The flaw specifically manifests during the installation phase when system-level files and directories are created with insufficient access controls, allowing local users to manipulate these resources in ways that could lead to administrative access.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from improper implementation of file permission management during the software installation process. When Intel VTune Amplifier installs its components, certain files and directories are created with world-writable or overly permissive access controls that should typically be restricted to privileged users only. This misconfiguration creates a persistent security weakness that can be exploited by local attackers who may not possess administrative privileges initially. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-732, which specifically addresses improper permission assignment, and represents a classic example of inadequate least privilege enforcement in system installation processes.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant risk to organizations that deploy Intel VTune Amplifier in environments where untrusted local users may have access to the system. Attackers could potentially exploit this weakness by modifying installed files, injecting malicious code, or manipulating configuration settings that would normally require elevated privileges. The impact extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as the compromised system could serve as a foothold for further attacks, lateral movement, or data exfiltration activities. This vulnerability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers local privilege escalation through the exploitation of system vulnerabilities.
The exploitation of this vulnerability typically requires local system access and involves identifying the improperly configured installation components, then manipulating them to achieve privilege elevation. Security professionals should note that this issue is particularly concerning because it occurs during the installation phase, meaning that even if the system appears secure post-installation, the vulnerability remains present until the affected software is properly updated or reinstalled with correct permission settings. Organizations should prioritize patching this vulnerability as part of their remediation efforts, ensuring that all instances of Intel VTune Amplifier are updated to versions that properly enforce file permissions during installation. The recommended mitigation strategy involves applying the vendor-provided update that addresses the improper file permissions and implementing regular security audits to identify similar permission misconfigurations in other software installations.