CVE-2019-6186 in System Interface Foundation
Summary
by MITRE
A potential vulnerability was reported in Lenovo System Interface Foundation versions before v1.1.18.3 that could allow an authenticated user to execute code as another user.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/23/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-6186 resides within Lenovo System Interface Foundation software components that were vulnerable prior to version v1.1.18.3. This represents a critical security flaw that affects Lenovo's system management infrastructure, particularly targeting the authentication and authorization mechanisms within the system interface foundation. The vulnerability manifests as a privilege escalation issue that allows an authenticated user to execute code with the privileges of another user account, effectively bypassing normal access controls and potentially enabling unauthorized system compromise.
This technical flaw operates through improper privilege handling within the system interface foundation components, creating a path for authenticated attackers to leverage existing session tokens or credentials to impersonate other users within the system. The vulnerability specifically targets the user context switching mechanisms and authentication delegation processes that are fundamental to maintaining secure multi-user environments. The issue falls under the category of privilege escalation vulnerabilities as defined by CWE-269, where an attacker can gain elevated privileges beyond their normal access rights.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it enables attackers to potentially access sensitive system resources, modify critical configuration settings, and execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges. This creates a significant risk for enterprise environments where Lenovo system management interfaces are deployed, as the vulnerability could allow attackers to move laterally within networks or gain access to privileged system functions that should be restricted to authorized administrators. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of system management operations, potentially compromising the entire system infrastructure.
Security professionals should consider this vulnerability in the context of ATT&CK framework's privilege escalation techniques, particularly those involving legitimate credentials and system interfaces. The flaw represents a significant concern for organizations using Lenovo systems that rely on the System Interface Foundation for remote management and monitoring operations. Organizations should prioritize patching this vulnerability to prevent potential exploitation by attackers who may already have authenticated access to system interfaces. The mitigation strategy involves updating to Lenovo System Interface Foundation version v1.1.18.3 or later, which includes proper privilege validation and user context management controls. Additionally, implementing network segmentation and monitoring for suspicious authentication patterns can help detect potential exploitation attempts. Organizations should also review their access control policies and ensure that least privilege principles are enforced across all system management interfaces to minimize the potential impact of such vulnerabilities.