CVE-2019-14568 in RST
Summary
by MITRE
Improper permissions in the executable for Intel(R) RST before version 17.7.0.1006 may allow an authenticated user to potentially enable escalation of privilege via local access.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/12/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-14568 represents a critical permission flaw within Intel Rapid Storage Technology software that affects versions prior to 17.7.0.1006. This issue manifests as improper file permissions in the executable components of the Intel RST service, creating a potential pathway for privilege escalation attacks. The vulnerability specifically targets the local security model of the system where authenticated users can exploit these weak permissions to gain elevated privileges. The flaw exists within the Windows operating system environment where Intel RST operates as a background service managing storage devices and RAID configurations. This vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires only local authentication to exploit, making it accessible to any user who has logged into the system with valid credentials. The affected executable files contain insecure permission settings that allow unauthorized modification or execution by non-privileged users, bypassing the normal access control mechanisms that should protect system-critical components.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from inadequate access control implementation within the Intel RST software installation package. The executable files and associated service components are configured with overly permissive file permissions that grant write access to user accounts that should only have read-only or restricted access. This misconfiguration allows authenticated users to modify or replace critical system files, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution with elevated privileges. The vulnerability falls under the CWE-732 category of Incorrect Permission Assignment for Critical Resources, which specifically addresses situations where system-critical files are accessible to unauthorized users with write permissions. The flaw demonstrates poor privilege separation principles where the service should operate with minimal required permissions but instead runs with elevated privileges that are unnecessarily broad. The security model fails to properly implement the principle of least privilege, allowing local users to manipulate system-critical components through the vulnerable executable files. This weakness creates an attack surface that can be exploited by malicious actors with local access to the system, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-14568 extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it represents a foundational security weakness that could enable more sophisticated attacks. An authenticated local user could leverage this vulnerability to install malicious software, modify system configurations, or establish persistent backdoors within the system. The attack vector requires minimal prerequisites since only local authentication is needed, making it particularly dangerous in environments where multiple users have legitimate access to the system. The vulnerability affects systems running Intel RST versions before 17.7.0.1006, which were commonly deployed in enterprise environments and consumer systems where storage management services are critical. The potential for privilege escalation means that attackers could gain SYSTEM-level access to the operating system, enabling them to bypass standard security controls and access sensitive data or modify system configurations. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which describes local privilege escalation through the exploitation of software vulnerabilities, and T1547.001 which covers registry run keys and startup folder modifications that could be facilitated through this privilege escalation.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigation strategies including updating to Intel RST version 17.7.0.1006 or later, which contains the necessary permission fixes. System administrators should conduct comprehensive audits of the affected software installations to verify proper file permissions and identify any systems that may have been compromised. The remediation process should include verifying that executable files within the Intel RST installation directory have appropriate permissions set to prevent unauthorized modification. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect any unusual file modifications or unauthorized access attempts to system-critical components. Additional mitigations include implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict execution of unauthorized software and ensuring that only authorized users have access to systems running vulnerable versions of Intel RST. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of regular security updates and proper permission management in preventing local privilege escalation attacks. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and access control measures to limit the potential impact of such vulnerabilities. Compliance with security standards such as NIST SP 800-53 and ISO 27001 requires proper management of system permissions and regular vulnerability assessments to identify and remediate similar issues. The incident highlights the need for continuous security monitoring and the importance of maintaining updated security configurations across all system components.