CVE-2018-3684 in Quartus II
Summary
by MITRE
Unquoted service paths in Intel Quartus II in versions 11.0 - 15.0 allow 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-2018-3684 resides within Intel Quartus II software versions 11.0 through 15.0, specifically targeting the service path configuration mechanism. This issue represents a classic privilege escalation vector that exploits the improper handling of service paths during software installation processes. The flaw manifests when service paths containing spaces are not properly quoted, creating a potential attack surface for local adversaries who can manipulate the execution environment.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from the Windows service installation process where Intel Quartus II fails to properly quote service path strings during registry configuration. When a service path contains spaces and is not enclosed in quotation marks, the Windows service control manager interprets the path as multiple arguments rather than a single path. This misinterpretation allows an attacker to place a malicious executable at a location that will be executed with elevated privileges when the service starts. The vulnerability operates under CWE-78, which addresses OS command injection flaws, specifically targeting the improper quoting of service paths in Windows service installations.
This vulnerability presents significant operational impact for systems running affected Intel Quartus II versions, particularly in development environments where users may have administrative privileges. Local attackers who can modify the installation directory or create files in the service path can potentially execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the service account, which typically runs with elevated permissions. The attack requires local access and basic knowledge of the service installation structure, making it particularly dangerous in environments where multiple users have access to development systems.
The exploitation of this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers "Local Port Forwarding" and related privilege escalation methods. Attackers can leverage this flaw by placing a malicious binary at a location that will be executed when the service starts, effectively gaining persistence and elevated privileges on the affected system. The vulnerability also relates to T1059, which covers command and scripting interpreters, as the malicious code execution occurs through legitimate service mechanisms. Organizations should consider implementing strict access controls and regular security audits to prevent unauthorized modifications to service paths and installation directories.
Mitigation strategies should focus on applying the latest Intel Quartus II patches released after version 15.0, which address the unquoted service path issue. System administrators should also implement proper file system permissions and access controls to prevent unauthorized modifications to service installation directories. The principle of least privilege should be enforced, ensuring that service accounts operate with minimal required permissions. Additionally, organizations should conduct regular vulnerability assessments and maintain updated security configurations to prevent exploitation of similar service path vulnerabilities across their software portfolio.