CVE-2019-0168 in CSME
Summary
by MITRE
Insufficient input validation in the subsystem for Intel(R) CSME before versions 11.8.70, 12.0.45 and 13.0.10; Intel(R) TXE before versions 3.1.70 and 4.0.20 may allow a privileged user to potentially enable information disclosure via local access.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/15/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-0168 represents a critical flaw in Intel's Converged Security and Management Engine (CSME) and Trusted Execution Engine (TXE) subsystems that affects multiple generations of Intel processors. This vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation mechanisms within the firmware components that control security-sensitive operations. The affected versions include CSME versions prior to 11.8.70, 12.0.45, and 13.0.10, alongside TXE versions before 3.1.70 and 4.0.20, indicating a widespread issue across Intel's security infrastructure. The flaw specifically targets the validation of input parameters that flow through these subsystems, creating potential attack vectors for malicious actors who can exploit the insufficient checks to manipulate system behavior.
The technical nature of this vulnerability places it squarely within CWE-20, which defines "Improper Input Validation" as a fundamental weakness that allows attackers to manipulate input data in ways that can lead to various security consequences. The vulnerability operates at the firmware level where the subsystems execute privileged operations, making it particularly dangerous as it can potentially enable information disclosure through local access. Attackers with privileged access to systems running vulnerable firmware could exploit this weakness to extract sensitive data from the security subsystems, potentially gaining insights into system configurations, security keys, or other confidential information. This type of vulnerability represents a significant risk to enterprise security infrastructure as it allows for information leakage from the most critical system components that control hardware-level security features.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-0168 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can enable more sophisticated attacks that leverage the compromised subsystems to gain deeper access to systems. The vulnerability affects systems where Intel CSME and TXE are implemented, which includes a wide range of enterprise servers, desktop computers, and mobile devices that utilize Intel's hardware security features. Organizations running affected firmware versions face potential exposure to attackers who can exploit the insufficient validation to manipulate system behavior and potentially escalate privileges. The local access requirement means that attackers must already have some level of system access or be positioned to exploit other initial vulnerabilities that provide them with local privileges, but the impact remains significant given the critical nature of the security subsystems involved.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-0168 primarily focus on firmware updates and system hardening measures. Organizations should immediately apply the firmware updates released by Intel to bring their systems to versions 11.8.70, 12.0.45, 13.0.10 for CSME and 3.1.70, 4.0.20 for TXE. These updates address the input validation issues by implementing proper parameter checking mechanisms that prevent malicious inputs from being processed by the vulnerable subsystems. System administrators should also consider implementing additional monitoring and logging measures to detect potential exploitation attempts, particularly focusing on unusual activity patterns within the security subsystems. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059, which involves command and scripting interpreter usage, as attackers may attempt to manipulate system components through the compromised validation mechanisms. Organizations should also review their access controls and privilege management policies to ensure that local access is properly restricted and monitored, as the vulnerability specifically targets scenarios where privileged users can leverage the flaw for information disclosure.