CVE-2019-11120 in Active System Console
Summary
by MITRE
Insufficient path checking in the installer for Intel(R) Active System Console before version 8.0 Build 24 may allow an authenticated user to potentially enable escalation of privilege via local access.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/03/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-11120 resides within the installer component of Intel(R) Active System Console software, specifically affecting versions prior to 8.0 Build 24. This issue represents a critical security flaw that stems from inadequate path validation mechanisms during the installation process, creating potential attack vectors for authenticated users with local system access. The vulnerability manifests as a privilege escalation opportunity, allowing malicious actors to elevate their system privileges beyond the intended access levels. The root cause lies in the installer's failure to properly validate file paths and directory structures, which could enable attackers to manipulate the installation sequence and potentially execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges. This weakness directly impacts the principle of least privilege and undermines the integrity of the software installation process.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits insufficient input validation within the installer's path handling routines, which is categorized under CWE-78, known as Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an OS Command. The flaw allows an authenticated user to manipulate installation parameters or file paths in ways that bypass normal security checks, potentially enabling them to place malicious files in system directories or modify existing system components. When the installer processes these manipulated paths, it fails to validate whether the target locations are legitimate or if they contain unauthorized modifications. This path traversal and validation failure creates a persistent security gap that can be exploited through local access methods, including command-line interfaces or interactive session access. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that it requires only local authentication, making it accessible to users who already have legitimate access to the system but not necessarily administrative privileges.
The operational consequences of this vulnerability extend beyond simple privilege escalation, as it can potentially enable attackers to establish persistent footholds within the system or deploy additional malicious components. Attackers leveraging this vulnerability could gain unauthorized access to sensitive system resources, modify critical system files, or install backdoors that persist across system reboots. The localized nature of the attack means that exploitation typically requires physical access or remote access through legitimate user accounts, but once successful, the elevated privileges can be leveraged for further system compromise. This vulnerability also aligns with several techniques documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly those related to privilege escalation and persistence mechanisms. The attack surface includes scenarios where attackers might use the elevated privileges to access system logs, modify security configurations, or establish covert communication channels that could evade detection by standard security monitoring tools.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including updating to Intel Active System Console version 8.0 Build 24 or later, which contains the necessary path validation fixes. System administrators should also conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify any systems running affected versions and ensure proper access controls are in place to limit local user privileges. Additional defensive measures include implementing least privilege principles for user accounts, monitoring installation activities for suspicious path manipulations, and maintaining current threat intelligence on similar vulnerabilities. The remediation process should include verifying that the updated installer properly validates all file paths and directories, ensuring that no unauthorized modifications can occur during the installation process. Security teams should also consider implementing application control measures that prevent unauthorized installation activities and monitor for unusual file system modifications that might indicate exploitation attempts. Regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to validate that the mitigations are effective and to identify any additional vulnerabilities that might exist within the system's attack surface.