CVE-2019-0109 in Data Center Manager SDK
Summary
by MITRE
Improper folder permissions in Intel(R) Data Center Manager SDK before version 5.0.2 may allow an authenticated user to potentially enable escalation of privilege via local access.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/11/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-0109 represents a critical security flaw within Intel(R) Data Center Manager SDK versions prior to 5.0.2, where improper folder permissions create exploitable conditions for privilege escalation. This issue specifically affects systems where authenticated users can leverage local access to manipulate folder permissions and elevate their privileges. The vulnerability stems from inadequate access control mechanisms implemented within the software installation directories, creating potential attack vectors for malicious actors with legitimate user credentials. The affected SDK components typically include management interfaces and administrative utilities that require elevated privileges for proper operation. Security researchers have classified this vulnerability under the broader category of privilege escalation flaws, which aligns with CWE-276, representing improper permissions and access control issues. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where the Data Center Manager SDK is deployed for infrastructure monitoring and management purposes.
The technical flaw manifests through the misconfiguration of file system permissions within the SDK installation directories, allowing authenticated users to modify critical system components that should only be accessible to administrators. When the SDK is installed with default settings, certain folders containing executable files, configuration data, or system libraries are granted overly permissive access controls that do not properly restrict user access. This misconfiguration enables an authenticated user to gain write access to directories that should remain protected, potentially allowing them to replace legitimate binaries with malicious versions or modify system configurations. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires only local access and authentication, making it exploitable in scenarios where attackers have already gained user-level credentials through other means such as phishing, credential theft, or social engineering attacks. The attack vector relies on the principle of least privilege being violated, where system components should not be accessible to users without proper authorization.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-0109 extends beyond simple privilege escalation, potentially enabling more severe security compromises within data center environments. Once an attacker successfully exploits this vulnerability, they can gain root or administrator privileges on the affected system, allowing them to execute arbitrary code, modify system configurations, install malware, or access sensitive data. This elevated access level can compromise the integrity and confidentiality of entire data center operations, particularly when the SDK is used for monitoring critical infrastructure components. The vulnerability affects organizations that deploy Intel Data Center Manager SDK for hardware monitoring, performance management, and system diagnostics, making it particularly dangerous in large-scale enterprise environments where multiple administrators may have access to the system. The impact is further amplified when considering that the SDK often interfaces with hardware management controllers and system firmware components, providing attackers with additional attack surface for lateral movement and persistence within the network.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including updating to Intel Data Center Manager SDK version 5.0.2 or later, which includes corrected permission settings for all installation directories. System administrators should also conduct thorough permission audits of existing installations to identify and correct any improper folder permissions that may have been overlooked during initial deployment. The remediation process should involve reviewing and tightening access controls on all SDK-related directories, ensuring that only authorized administrative users have write access to critical system components. Security teams should implement monitoring solutions to detect unauthorized access attempts to sensitive directories and establish baseline permission configurations that prevent similar issues in future deployments. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing principle of least privilege controls and regularly review access permissions for all system components, particularly those related to infrastructure management tools. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper access control implementation and highlights the need for comprehensive security reviews of third-party software components, particularly those that interact with system-level functions and require elevated privileges for operation. This case study aligns with ATT&CK techniques focusing on privilege escalation and persistence mechanisms, emphasizing the critical nature of access control configuration in enterprise security defenses.