CVE-2018-9083 in System Management Module
Summary
by MITRE
In System Management Module (SMM) versions prior to 1.06, the SMM contains weak default root credentials which could be used to log in to the device OS -- if the attacker manages to enable SSH or Telnet connections via some other vulnerability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/15/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-9083 resides within the System Management Module (SMM) of certain hardware platforms, representing a critical security weakness that undermines the fundamental integrity of system management interfaces. This flaw affects SMM versions prior to 1.06 and stems from the implementation of weak default root credentials that persist in the system's management firmware layer. The SMM operates as a privileged execution environment that typically runs outside the normal operating system boundaries, providing low-level system control functions and maintaining persistent access to hardware components. The presence of default credentials within this sensitive module creates an exploitable entry point that could potentially compromise the entire system architecture.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves hardcoded authentication credentials within the SMM firmware that remain unchanged from their default values. These credentials are typically stored in non-volatile memory locations within the system management controller or similar firmware components, making them accessible to attackers who can gain sufficient privileges to access the SMM environment. The weakness becomes particularly dangerous when combined with other exploitation vectors, as the vulnerability description indicates that an attacker could leverage additional vulnerabilities to enable SSH or Telnet services, thereby creating a complete attack pathway from initial access to full system compromise. This represents a classic case of privilege escalation through credential exposure in a system management context, where the SMM's elevated privileges can be leveraged to bypass traditional operating system security controls.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-9083 extends far beyond simple unauthorized access, as the SMM's privileged execution environment provides attackers with unprecedented control over system hardware functions. When an attacker successfully authenticates using the default root credentials, they gain access to critical system management features including direct memory access, hardware component control, and the ability to modify system firmware or boot processes. This vulnerability can be exploited to maintain persistent access, install rootkits, or manipulate system behavior in ways that remain undetectable to standard operating system security mechanisms. The implications are particularly severe in enterprise environments where system management modules are used for critical infrastructure protection, as this vulnerability could enable attackers to compromise entire networked systems through a single point of entry.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-798, which addresses the use of hard-coded credentials, and represents a significant weakness in the principle of least privilege within system management contexts. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving credential access and privilege escalation, specifically leveraging system management interfaces to gain elevated privileges. Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate firmware updates to versions 1.06 or later that address the default credential issue, along with comprehensive security assessments to identify any potential exploitation attempts. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to limit access to system management interfaces, disable unnecessary remote access protocols, and conduct regular firmware integrity checks. The remediation process must include thorough validation of firmware updates to ensure that default credentials have been properly removed or changed, as well as monitoring for any unauthorized access attempts that may indicate exploitation of this vulnerability.