CVE-2018-3629 in Manageability Engine
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in event handler in Intel Active Management Technology in Intel Converged Security Manageability Engine Firmware 3.x, 4.x, 5.x, 6.x, 7.x, 8.x, 9.x, 10.x, and 11.x may allow an attacker to cause a denial of service via the same subnet.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/06/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-3629 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the event handler component of Intel Active Management Technology implementations. This issue affects Intel Converged Security Manageability Engine Firmware versions spanning from 3.x through 11.x, creating a widespread impact across multiple generations of Intel management firmware. The vulnerability resides in the handling of events within the Intel Active Management Technology framework, which is designed to provide remote system management capabilities and security functions. The flaw manifests when the system processes certain event notifications or data inputs, causing the firmware to exceed allocated buffer boundaries and potentially leading to system instability or complete service interruption. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it can be exploited from within the same network subnet, eliminating the need for complex network positioning or external access methods. This characteristic significantly broadens the attack surface and makes the vulnerability more accessible to potential adversaries who have network-level access to the affected systems. The buffer overflow condition occurs within the event handling mechanisms that process various system notifications, management commands, and security-related events, making it a fundamental weakness in the firmware's operational architecture.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking occurs during memory allocation and data handling. The flaw specifically impacts the event processing subsystem of the Intel Converged Security Manageability Engine, which is responsible for managing various system events including security alerts, configuration changes, and operational status updates. When an attacker sends maliciously crafted event data or triggers specific event sequences, the firmware's event handler fails to properly validate input lengths or buffer boundaries, leading to memory corruption that can result in system crashes or unexpected behavior. The vulnerability's exploitation requires only network access within the same subnet, as the event handler is designed to process incoming management traffic and system notifications that are typically transmitted over local network segments. This design aspect means that the vulnerability can be leveraged by attackers who have gained access to the local network, such as through compromised endpoints, insider threats, or network infiltration techniques. The attack vector operates through standard network protocols used by Intel Active Management Technology, making it particularly insidious as legitimate management traffic can be used to carry the malicious payload.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service conditions, as it fundamentally undermines the reliability and security posture of systems implementing affected Intel firmware versions. Organizations relying on Intel Active Management Technology for remote system management, security monitoring, and maintenance operations face significant risks when this vulnerability exists in their infrastructure. The potential for system crashes or complete service interruption means that critical management functions may become unavailable, potentially leaving systems unmanageable or vulnerable to further attacks. The vulnerability affects systems where Intel Active Management Technology is enabled, which includes numerous enterprise servers, workstations, and embedded systems that utilize Intel's management engine for remote administration and security functions. The implications for enterprise security are substantial as this vulnerability can be used to disrupt critical infrastructure management capabilities, potentially leading to extended downtime, loss of operational visibility, and increased attack surface for other potential exploits. System administrators may find their ability to monitor, maintain, and secure systems compromised, as the management engine that provides these capabilities becomes unreliable or unavailable.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-3629 should focus on immediate firmware updates from Intel, which address the buffer overflow conditions in the event handler component. Organizations must prioritize updating their Intel Converged Security Manageability Engine firmware to versions that contain patches for this vulnerability, as Intel has released specific firmware updates to resolve the buffer overflow issues. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit the scope of potential exploitation, particularly by restricting network access to management interfaces and limiting which systems can communicate with management engines. The implementation of intrusion detection systems that monitor for unusual event traffic patterns or malformed management messages can help identify potential exploitation attempts. Additionally, organizations should consider disabling Intel Active Management Technology where it is not strictly required for operational functions, as this reduces the attack surface and eliminates the risk associated with the vulnerable event handler component. Security monitoring should include regular checks for firmware versions to ensure that all systems have been updated and that the vulnerability has been properly addressed. The mitigation approach should also include regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing to identify any remaining exposure points and ensure that network security controls are effectively preventing unauthorized access to management interfaces. Organizations implementing these controls should also establish procedures for rapid response to any potential exploitation attempts and maintain detailed incident response plans that account for the specific risks associated with Intel Active Management Technology vulnerabilities.