CVE-2018-3667 in Processor Diagnostic Tool
Summary
by MITRE
Installation tool IPDT (Intel Processor Diagnostic Tool) 4.1.0.24 sets permissions of installed files incorrectly, allowing for execution of arbitrary code and potential privilege escalation.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/02/2020
The CVE-2018-3667 vulnerability affects the Intel Processor Diagnostic Tool version 4.1.0.24 installation process, representing a critical access control flaw that undermines system security through improper file permission configuration. This vulnerability resides within the installation utility itself rather than the target software being installed, making it particularly concerning for system administrators and security professionals who rely on such diagnostic tools for system maintenance and verification. The issue manifests when the installation tool fails to properly set file permissions on installed components, creating potential attack vectors that could be exploited by malicious actors.
The technical flaw stems from the IPDT installation utility's inadequate handling of file system permissions during the software deployment process. Specifically, the installer does not correctly configure access controls for installed files, potentially leaving critical system components with overly permissive permissions that allow unauthorized users or processes to modify or execute these files. This misconfiguration creates a path for privilege escalation attacks where unprivileged users could potentially gain elevated system privileges through manipulation of the improperly secured files. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-732, which describes improper permission assignment, and represents a classic example of insufficient access control mechanisms in software installation processes.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it creates opportunities for arbitrary code execution within the target system. Attackers could exploit the incorrectly set permissions to replace legitimate diagnostic tool components with malicious binaries, potentially gaining root or administrator level access to affected systems. This risk is particularly severe in enterprise environments where diagnostic tools are frequently deployed across multiple systems, as a single compromised installation could provide attackers with a foothold for broader network infiltration. The vulnerability affects systems running the specific version of IPDT mentioned, and could potentially be leveraged to bypass security controls that rely on proper file permissions for system integrity verification.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate remediation through official patches provided by Intel, which would address the underlying installation process flaw and properly configure file permissions for all installed components. System administrators should also implement additional monitoring and access control measures to detect unauthorized modifications to diagnostic tool installations, potentially leveraging file integrity monitoring solutions to track changes to critical system files. Organizations should consider implementing principle of least privilege controls for installation utilities and regularly audit file permissions on system diagnostic tools to ensure proper access controls remain in place. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure installation practices and proper permission management as outlined in various security frameworks including those referenced in the ATT&CK framework under software installation and privilege escalation techniques.