CVE-2018-3705 in System Defense Utility
Summary
by MITRE
Improper directory permissions in the installer for the Intel System Defense Utility (all versions) 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 Intel System Defense Utility installer contains a critical vulnerability classified as CVE-2018-3705 that stems from improper directory permissions during the installation process. This flaw affects all versions of the utility and represents a significant security weakness that can be exploited by authenticated users with local access to the system. The vulnerability lies in how the installer establishes file and directory permissions, creating opportunities for privilege escalation that could be leveraged by malicious actors.
This vulnerability maps directly to CWE-732, which addresses inadequate permissions for critical system resources, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers local privilege escalation through improper permissions. The installer's failure to properly configure directory permissions creates a persistent security gap that allows authenticated users to gain elevated privileges. The flaw specifically manifests when the installer creates directories and files with overly permissive access controls that permit unauthorized modification or execution by users who should not have such access rights.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is substantial as it enables authenticated local users to potentially escalate their privileges from standard user level to administrative or system-level access. This privilege escalation capability can be exploited to gain unauthorized control over system resources, modify critical system files, install malicious software, or access sensitive data. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent access, modify system configurations, or create backdoors that persist across system reboots, making the compromise particularly dangerous for enterprise environments.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate permission corrections and ongoing monitoring of system integrity. System administrators should verify and correct directory permissions for all components installed by the Intel System Defense Utility, ensuring that only authorized users and processes have appropriate access rights. The recommended approach includes implementing proper access control lists, using least privilege principles for directory permissions, and conducting regular security audits of installed system components. Additionally, organizations should consider applying patches or updates provided by Intel as soon as they become available, while maintaining continuous monitoring for unauthorized changes to system directories that could indicate exploitation attempts.