CVE-2019-0134 in Dynamic Platform
Summary
by MITRE
Improper permissions in the Intel(R) Dynamic Platform and Thermal Framework v8.3.10208.5643 and before may allow an authenticated user to potentially execute code at an elevated level of privilege.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/12/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-0134 resides within the Intel Dynamic Platform and Thermal Framework version 8.3.10208.5643 and earlier iterations, representing a critical security flaw that undermines the integrity of privilege management mechanisms. This framework serves as a core component in Intel's platform management solutions, responsible for handling thermal and power management functions across various computing devices. The flaw manifests through improper permission controls that fail to adequately enforce access restrictions, creating a potential pathway for privilege escalation attacks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of user permissions within the framework's core processes. When an authenticated user interacts with specific system components managed by the Dynamic Platform and Thermal Framework, the system fails to properly verify whether the requesting user possesses the necessary elevated privileges required for certain operations. This weakness creates an environment where malicious actors can exploit the system's trust model to execute unauthorized code with higher privileges than initially intended. The flaw specifically affects how the framework handles access control lists and permission checks during runtime operations, allowing privilege escalation through carefully crafted system interactions.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-0134 extends beyond simple privilege elevation, potentially enabling attackers to gain complete system control through a series of chained exploits. An authenticated user could leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code with system-level privileges, effectively bypassing standard security boundaries that protect against unauthorized system modifications. This capability allows for persistent access, data exfiltration, system compromise, and potential lateral movement within network environments. The vulnerability's impact is particularly concerning given that it affects the foundational platform management components that many enterprise systems rely upon for thermal and power management, making it a prime target for sophisticated attack campaigns.
Security practitioners should implement immediate mitigations including prompt system updates to the latest Intel Dynamic Platform and Thermal Framework versions that address this vulnerability. The affected system components should be monitored for unauthorized privilege escalation attempts, and access controls should be reviewed to ensure proper least-privilege principles are enforced. Network segmentation and monitoring solutions should be configured to detect anomalous behavior patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing additional security controls such as application whitelisting, privilege monitoring, and regular security assessments to prevent exploitation of similar vulnerabilities. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which describes improper access control issues, and represents a clear violation of the principle of least privilege that forms the foundation of secure system design. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under privilege escalation techniques, specifically targeting the use of system-level vulnerabilities to gain elevated access rights.