CVE-2018-3704 in Parallel Studio XE
Summary
by MITRE
Improper directory permissions in the installer for the Intel Parallel Studio before 2019 Gold may allow authenticated users to potentially enable an escalation of privilege via local access.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/21/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-3704 represents a critical directory permission flaw within the Intel Parallel Studio installer ecosystem prior to the 2019 Gold release. This issue stems from inadequate access control mechanisms during the installation process, where the installer fails to properly configure directory permissions for critical system components. The flaw specifically impacts the installation directory structure and associated temporary files that are created during the software deployment phase, creating potential security gaps that could be exploited by malicious actors.
From a technical perspective, this vulnerability manifests as insufficient permission settings on directories and files created during installation, allowing authenticated local users to manipulate or access restricted system resources. The installer's failure to properly implement least privilege principles means that newly created directories may be accessible with overly permissive permissions, potentially enabling attackers to modify installation files, inject malicious code, or escalate their privileges within the system. This represents a classic privilege escalation vector that leverages the installer's own permission handling mechanisms against the system.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-3704 extends beyond simple privilege escalation capabilities, as it fundamentally undermines the security posture of systems running affected Intel Parallel Studio versions. Local authenticated users who can access the installation directory structure can potentially modify core components, leading to persistent backdoors or system compromise. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-732, which addresses inadequate permissions for critical resources, and demonstrates how installer security flaws can create persistent system weaknesses. Attackers could exploit this vulnerability to gain elevated privileges, potentially compromising the entire system or establishing long-term access points for further exploitation.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including updating to Intel Parallel Studio 2019 Gold or later versions where this vulnerability has been addressed. System administrators should conduct thorough permission audits of existing installation directories to identify and correct any overly permissive settings. The remediation process should include verifying directory permissions using standard security frameworks and ensuring that only authorized users have appropriate access levels. Additionally, implementing proper access control lists and regular security scanning protocols can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of proper installer security implementation and the potential consequences of inadequate permission management in software deployment processes. The issue also correlates with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers local privilege escalation through system binary modification, highlighting the broader exploitation pathways that such installer flaws can enable.