CVE-2018-3672 in Smart Sound Technology
Summary
by MITRE
Driver module in Intel Smart Sound Technology before version 9.21.00.3541 potentially allows a local attacker to execute arbitrary code as administrator via a system calls.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/12/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-3672 affects Intel Smart Sound Technology driver modules prior to version 9.21.00.3541, representing a critical security flaw that enables local privilege escalation attacks. This issue stems from improper validation of system calls within the driver component, creating a pathway for malicious actors to elevate their privileges from standard user level to administrator access. The vulnerability exists within the kernel-mode driver code that manages audio processing capabilities in Intel's smart sound technology framework, which is commonly integrated into laptop and desktop systems for enhanced audio functionality and power management features.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through manipulation of system call interfaces that the driver module uses to communicate with the operating system kernel. Attackers can craft specific system calls that bypass normal access controls and privilege validation mechanisms, ultimately allowing execution of arbitrary code with elevated privileges. This flaw falls under the CWE-264 category of Permissions, Privileges, and Access Controls, specifically addressing improper privilege management within kernel-mode components. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic privilege escalation vector where insufficient input validation in kernel drivers creates opportunities for unauthorized code execution with system-level privileges.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-3672 extends beyond simple local privilege escalation, as successful exploitation provides attackers with complete system control capabilities. Once elevated to administrator privileges, malicious actors can install persistent backdoors, modify system files, access encrypted data, and potentially exfiltrate sensitive information without detection. The vulnerability affects systems running affected versions of Intel Smart Sound Technology, which are prevalent in numerous laptop and desktop configurations across various manufacturers including Dell, HP, Lenovo, and others. This widespread deployment increases the potential attack surface significantly, as the vulnerability can be exploited on numerous devices without requiring specialized knowledge of specific hardware configurations.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patch application to update Intel Smart Sound Technology components to version 9.21.00.3541 or later, which addresses the privilege escalation flaw through proper system call validation mechanisms. System administrators should prioritize deployment of these updates across all affected devices, particularly in enterprise environments where multiple systems may be vulnerable. Additional defensive measures include implementing application whitelisting policies to restrict execution of unauthorized binaries, enabling kernel-mode code integrity checks, and monitoring for suspicious system call patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to privilege escalation techniques and specifically addresses T1068 (Local Privilege Escalation) and T1543 (Create or Modify System Process) tactics that attackers commonly employ to establish persistent access to compromised systems. Organizations should also consider implementing network monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts and maintain updated threat intelligence feeds to identify related attack patterns in the wild.