CVE-2019-14596 in Chipset Device Software
Summary
by MITRE
Improper access control in the installer for Intel(R) Chipset Device Software INF Utility before version 10.1.18 may allow an authenticated user to potentially enable denial of service via local access.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/18/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-14596 represents a critical access control flaw within the Intel(R) Chipset Device Software INF Utility installer component. This issue affects versions prior to 10.1.18 and demonstrates a fundamental weakness in the software's authorization mechanisms. The vulnerability specifically manifests during the installation process where the utility fails to properly validate user permissions and access levels, creating a pathway for authenticated users to manipulate system resources. The flaw resides in the installer's handling of privilege escalation and resource management during software deployment operations.
From a technical perspective, the improper access control vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and privilege checking within the installer's code execution flow. The INF utility, which is responsible for installing chipset device drivers and associated components, contains code paths that do not sufficiently verify the authenticity and authorization level of users attempting to execute installation routines. This allows an authenticated user with standard privileges to potentially manipulate the installation process and gain unauthorized access to system resources that should be restricted. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-284 which categorizes improper access control issues and represents a classic case of insufficient privilege checking during system operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service conditions to potentially enable more severe system compromise scenarios. An authenticated attacker with local access can exploit this weakness to disrupt normal system operations by corrupting installation files, modifying system configurations, or preventing legitimate software installations from completing successfully. The vulnerability's local access requirement means that attackers must first establish a foothold on the target system, but once achieved, they can leverage this flaw to cause persistent service disruptions. This weakness particularly affects enterprise environments where multiple users may have local access and could potentially be exploited to create persistent denial of service conditions that impact business operations.
Security practitioners should prioritize patching affected systems immediately, as the vulnerability exists in the installer phase of software deployment and can be exploited during routine system maintenance operations. The recommended mitigation strategy involves updating to Intel Chipset Device Software version 10.1.18 or later, which includes enhanced access control mechanisms and proper privilege validation. Organizations should also implement monitoring for unauthorized installation activities and review system access controls to ensure that only authorized personnel can execute installation routines. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving privilege escalation and installation persistence, making it a significant concern for defensive security operations. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices in installer components and highlights the need for comprehensive access control validation throughout all phases of software deployment processes.