CVE-2018-18096 in QuickAssist Technology for Linux
Summary
by MITRE
Improper memory handling in Intel QuickAssist Technology for Linux (all versions) may allow an authenticated user to potentially enable a denial of service via local access.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/20/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-18096 resides within Intel QuickAssist Technology for Linux implementations across all versions, representing a critical flaw in memory management protocols that can be exploited by authenticated local users. This issue stems from improper handling of memory allocation and deallocation processes within the QuickAssist driver components, creating potential pathways for malicious actors with local access to disrupt system operations. The vulnerability specifically affects the Intel QuickAssist Technology which provides hardware acceleration for data compression, encryption, and cryptographic operations in various enterprise and data center environments.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in insufficient validation mechanisms during memory management operations within the kernel-level driver components of QuickAssist Technology. When authenticated users execute specific sequences of operations against the affected system, the memory handling routines fail to properly validate buffer boundaries and allocation states, leading to potential memory corruption scenarios. This improper memory handling can manifest through buffer overflows, use-after-free conditions, or memory leak vulnerabilities that directly compromise the stability and integrity of the underlying operating system. The flaw operates at the kernel level where privilege escalation is not required for exploitation, as the authenticated user context provides sufficient access to trigger the problematic memory operations.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-18096 extends beyond simple system disruption to potentially compromise the availability of critical services that depend on QuickAssist hardware acceleration. Organizations utilizing Intel QuickAssist Technology for data processing, encryption, or compression tasks face significant risks including service interruptions, system crashes, and potential data loss during denial of service attacks. The vulnerability affects systems where QuickAssist Technology is actively deployed, particularly in enterprise environments running Linux distributions that incorporate these hardware acceleration capabilities. Network infrastructure, security appliances, and high-performance computing systems that rely on QuickAssist for efficient data processing are especially vulnerable to this type of localized denial of service attack.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-18096 primarily involve immediate software updates from Intel that address the memory handling deficiencies in QuickAssist Technology drivers. System administrators should prioritize patching affected systems with the latest Intel QuickAssist Technology software releases that include corrected memory management routines and enhanced validation protocols. Additionally, implementing strict access controls and monitoring for unauthorized local access attempts can help reduce exploitation risks. Organizations should consider disabling QuickAssist Technology on systems where it is not essential for operations, particularly in environments where local privilege escalation risks are high. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-125, which addresses out-of-bounds read conditions, and CWE-787, covering out-of-bounds write vulnerabilities, while potentially mapping to ATT&CK techniques involving privilege escalation and denial of service through system resource manipulation. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to ensure comprehensive protection against similar memory handling flaws in other hardware acceleration technologies.