CVE-2018-3659 in CSME
Summary
by MITRE
A vulnerability in Intel PTT module in Intel CSME firmware before version 12.0.5 and Intel TXE firmware before version 4.0 may allow an unauthenticated user to potentially disclose information via physical access.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/23/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-3659 represents a critical security flaw within Intel's Platform Trust Technology module that resides in the Intel Converged Security and Management Engine firmware and the Intel Trusted Execution Engine firmware. This weakness affects versions prior to 12.0.5 for CSME and 4.0 for TXE, creating a significant exposure in systems where physical access is possible. The vulnerability stems from insufficient access controls and information disclosure mechanisms within the firmware components that are designed to provide security services and hardware-level protection for computing platforms.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a failure in the authentication and authorization mechanisms within the PTT module, which is responsible for managing cryptographic keys and providing secure boot capabilities. When an attacker gains physical access to a system, they can potentially exploit this flaw to extract sensitive information from the firmware memory spaces. This disclosure can include cryptographic keys, system configuration data, and other confidential information that should remain protected within the secure elements of the platform. The vulnerability specifically impacts the integrity of the hardware security model that Intel designed to protect against various attack vectors.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-3659 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it fundamentally undermines the trust model that Intel's platform security architecture relies upon. An attacker with physical access can potentially compromise the entire system security posture by extracting sensitive cryptographic material that could be used to forge secure communications, bypass authentication mechanisms, or gain deeper access to system resources. This vulnerability particularly affects enterprise and government systems where physical security controls may be insufficient or where supply chain attacks could leverage this weakness to establish persistent access. The risk is elevated in environments where systems are deployed in unsecured locations or where physical access controls are not properly enforced.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require a multi-layered approach that includes firmware updates to the latest versions of Intel CSME and TXE firmware, which address the underlying access control issues. Organizations should implement strict physical security measures to prevent unauthorized access to computing platforms, particularly in high-value environments. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-284 which addresses improper access control, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1059 which involves the use of system privileges for exploitation. Additionally, system administrators should conduct thorough security assessments to identify systems running vulnerable firmware versions and establish monitoring procedures to detect potential exploitation attempts. The remediation process should also include verification of firmware integrity through proper cryptographic signatures and implementation of hardware security modules that can provide additional protection layers against such physical attacks.