CVE-2019-0153 in CSME
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in subsystem in Intel(R) CSME before version 12.0.35 may allow an unauthenticated user to potentially enable escalation of privilege via network access.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/21/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-0153 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within Intel's Converged Security and Management Engine (CSME) subsystem. This issue affects Intel CSME versions prior to 12.0.35 and demonstrates a fundamental weakness in the firmware's memory management capabilities. The buffer overflow occurs within the subsystem's network handling mechanisms, creating a potential attack vector that could be exploited by unauthenticated remote adversaries. The vulnerability resides in the way the CSME processes incoming network requests, specifically when handling buffer allocations for network communication protocols.
The technical implementation of this flaw stems from inadequate bounds checking within the CSME's network stack processing routines. When network packets are received and processed by the subsystem, insufficient validation occurs to ensure that incoming data fits within allocated memory buffers. This memory management deficiency allows attackers to craft malicious network packets that exceed buffer boundaries, potentially overwriting adjacent memory locations. The vulnerability can be classified under CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, though the specific implementation within the CSME environment creates unique exploitation challenges. The attack surface is particularly concerning because it operates at the firmware level, below the operating system's traditional security boundaries, making it difficult to detect and mitigate through conventional software-based defenses.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass broader security implications for systems utilizing affected Intel CSME versions. An unauthenticated attacker with network access to a vulnerable system could potentially leverage this flaw to gain elevated privileges within the security subsystem, potentially enabling persistent access to the underlying hardware platform. This privilege escalation capability creates a significant risk for enterprise environments where the CSME serves as a critical security component for system management and hardware-level security functions. The vulnerability's network accessibility means that attackers could exploit it remotely without requiring physical access or prior authentication credentials, making it particularly dangerous for network-connected devices. According to ATT&CK framework category T1068, this vulnerability enables privilege escalation through legitimate system tools, while T1547.001 covers the persistence mechanisms that could be established through such exploitation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-0153 require immediate firmware updates to Intel CSME version 12.0.35 or later, which contain the necessary patches addressing the buffer overflow conditions. Organizations should prioritize updating their systems as soon as possible, particularly for devices running embedded systems, enterprise servers, and IoT devices that rely on Intel's management engine functionality. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit exposure of affected systems to untrusted networks, while monitoring solutions should be configured to detect anomalous network traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Security teams should also consider disabling unnecessary network services within the CSME environment and implementing hardware-level security measures such as Intel's Platform Trust Technology to enhance protection against firmware-level attacks. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date firmware and the potential security implications of hardware-level subsystems that operate outside traditional software security boundaries.