CVE-2018-3668 in Processor Diagnostic Tool
Summary
by MITRE
Unquoted service paths in Intel Processor Diagnostic Tool (IPDT) before version 4.1.0.27 allows a local attacker to potentially execute arbitrary code.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/02/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-3668 resides within the Intel Processor Diagnostic Tool (IPDT) software, specifically affecting versions prior to 4.1.0.27. This issue manifests as an unquoted service path configuration that creates a significant security weakness exploitable by local attackers. The flaw occurs when Windows service paths containing spaces are not properly quoted, allowing malicious actors to place executable files in directories that are searched before the legitimate service executable. This vulnerability falls under the category of path traversal and privilege escalation attacks, where an attacker can manipulate the system's search order to execute malicious code with elevated privileges.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper service installation procedures within the IPDT software. When Windows services are installed without properly quoting paths that contain spaces, the operating system's service control manager performs a search through the PATH environment variable, beginning with the current directory and proceeding through each directory in the PATH until it finds the executable. This behavior creates a race condition where an attacker can place a malicious executable in a directory that appears earlier in the PATH than the legitimate service location, thereby gaining unauthorized code execution capabilities. The flaw directly relates to CWE-428, which describes the improper resolution of a path that contains a space, and represents a classic example of a privilege escalation vector through service manipulation.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-3668 extends beyond simple code execution, as it enables local attackers to potentially gain elevated privileges and execute arbitrary commands with the privileges of the service account. Since IPDT is typically installed with administrative privileges, the successful exploitation of this vulnerability could allow an attacker to escalate their privileges to SYSTEM level access, providing complete control over the affected system. This vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires no network connectivity and only local access, making it difficult to detect through traditional network monitoring approaches. The attack vector aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which involves local privilege escalation through service manipulation, and T1059, which covers execution through command and scripting interpreters.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-3668 focus on both immediate remediation and long-term prevention measures. The primary solution involves updating to Intel Processor Diagnostic Tool version 4.1.0.27 or later, where the service path handling has been corrected to properly quote all paths containing spaces. Organizations should also conduct comprehensive audits of installed services to identify other potential unquoted path vulnerabilities within their systems, as this is a common configuration issue across various software applications. Security administrators should implement regular vulnerability scanning procedures to detect similar path misconfigurations in other software packages and establish strict service installation protocols that enforce proper quoting of all service paths. Additionally, system hardening measures including implementation of least privilege principles and regular security assessments can significantly reduce the attack surface and limit potential exploitation success. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper service configuration management and highlights the need for security awareness training regarding common software installation pitfalls that can create exploitable conditions.