CVE-2019-11136 in Xeon
Summary
by MITRE
Insufficient access control in system firmware for Intel(R) Xeon(R) Scalable Processors, 2nd Generation Intel(R) Xeon(R) Scalable Processors and Intel(R) Xeon(R) Processors D Family may allow a privileged user to potentially enable escalation of privilege, denial of service and/or information disclosure via local access.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/14/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-11136 represents a critical weakness in the firmware implementation of Intel Xeon Scalable processors spanning multiple generations including the 2nd generation and Intel Xeon Processors D Family. This flaw manifests as insufficient access control mechanisms within the system firmware, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit the processor's privileged execution environment. The vulnerability specifically targets the firmware layer that governs processor behavior and security controls, potentially allowing a user with existing privileged access to escalate their privileges beyond normal operational boundaries.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from inadequate authorization checks within the firmware components that manage processor security features and access permissions. When a privileged user gains access to the system, they can potentially leverage this weakness to bypass normal security boundaries and execute unauthorized operations. The firmware layer in question typically handles critical functions including memory management, interrupt handling, and security policy enforcement, making it a prime target for privilege escalation attacks. This weakness operates at a fundamental level of system security where traditional operating system protections may be insufficient to prevent exploitation.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-11136 extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass potential denial of service conditions and information disclosure scenarios. Attackers could potentially destabilize system operations by manipulating firmware parameters, leading to system crashes or unavailability of critical services. Additionally, the vulnerability may enable unauthorized access to sensitive system information that should remain protected within the secure processor environment. The local access requirement means that exploitation typically requires physical presence or network access to a system with existing user credentials, though the potential for remote exploitation cannot be entirely ruled out depending on system configurations.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-284 which addresses improper access control in software systems, specifically targeting the weakness in firmware security controls. The attack surface for this issue follows patterns consistent with ATT&CK technique T1068 which involves the exploitation of local privilege escalation vulnerabilities. Organizations affected by this vulnerability should prioritize firmware updates from Intel and implement comprehensive system monitoring to detect anomalous behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts. The mitigation strategy should include immediate firmware patching, enhanced access control policies, and regular security assessments of the processor's firmware components to ensure continued protection against similar vulnerabilities.
The broader implications of this vulnerability highlight the critical importance of firmware security in modern computing environments where hardware-level protections are increasingly targeted by sophisticated attack vectors. System administrators must recognize that vulnerabilities in processor firmware can undermine the security of entire computing platforms regardless of operating system security measures. Regular firmware audits and proactive vulnerability management programs become essential components of comprehensive cybersecurity strategies, particularly for organizations relying on Intel Xeon processors across their infrastructure. The interconnected nature of modern computing systems means that firmware-level vulnerabilities can have cascading effects throughout networked environments, making early detection and remediation crucial for maintaining overall system integrity.