CVE-2019-0102 in Data Center Manager SDK
Summary
by MITRE
Insufficient session authentication in web server for Intel(R) Data Center Manager SDK before version 5.0.2 may allow an unauthenticated user to potentially enable escalation of privilege via network access.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/11/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-0102 resides within the Intel(R) Data Center Manager SDK, specifically affecting versions prior to 5.0.2. This issue represents a critical weakness in the web server component's session authentication mechanism, creating a significant security gap that could be exploited by malicious actors. The vulnerability stems from inadequate validation of user credentials and session tokens, allowing unauthorized access to privileged functions that should be restricted to authenticated administrators. This flaw fundamentally undermines the security model of the SDK and exposes sensitive management capabilities to potential attackers who can leverage network access to bypass normal authentication procedures.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a failure in the web server's authentication framework where session validation is insufficiently enforced. Attackers can potentially exploit this weakness by crafting specific network requests that bypass standard authentication checks, effectively enabling them to assume administrative privileges without proper credentials. The flaw operates at the application layer and can be triggered through network-based attacks, making it particularly dangerous in environments where the SDK is exposed to untrusted networks. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-287, which addresses improper authentication issues in software applications, and demonstrates how weak session management can create persistent security risks that extend beyond simple access control failures.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-0102 extends far beyond simple unauthorized access, as it enables privilege escalation that could result in complete system compromise. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could gain full administrative control over the data center management functions, potentially leading to data exfiltration, system modification, or complete service disruption. The implications are particularly severe in enterprise environments where Intel Data Center Manager SDK is deployed for critical infrastructure management, as this could provide attackers with access to core data center operations and potentially enable lateral movement within the network. The vulnerability could also facilitate persistent access, as the attacker could maintain elevated privileges without requiring additional authentication.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including upgrading to Intel Data Center Manager SDK version 5.0.2 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the session authentication weakness. Network segmentation and access control measures should be strengthened to limit exposure of the SDK to untrusted networks, while monitoring systems should be enhanced to detect anomalous authentication patterns. Security teams should conduct thorough assessments of their existing deployments to identify systems running vulnerable versions and ensure proper patch management procedures are in place. Additional defensive measures include implementing network-based intrusion detection systems that can identify exploitation attempts and establishing privileged access monitoring to detect unauthorized administrative activities. The remediation process should also involve reviewing and updating access control policies to ensure that only authorized personnel can access the management interfaces, aligning with the principle of least privilege as recommended by security frameworks and best practices.