CVE-2020-12308 in Computing Improvement Program
Summary
by MITRE • 11/12/2020
Improper access control for the Intel(R) Computing Improvement Program before version 2.4.5982 may allow an unprivileged user to potentially enable information disclosure via network access.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/06/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-12308 represents a critical access control flaw within Intel's Computing Improvement Program, a software framework designed to optimize system performance and gather telemetry data from participating devices. This issue affects versions prior to 2.4.5982 and creates a significant security gap that could be exploited by unauthorized users to gain access to sensitive information. The flaw exists in the program's authorization mechanisms, specifically within how it handles network-based access requests and authentication protocols. The vulnerability allows an unprivileged user to potentially enable information disclosure through network access, which represents a fundamental breakdown in the security model of the computing improvement framework.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of user credentials and access permissions within the network communication layers of the Intel Computing Improvement Program. When the software processes incoming network requests, it fails to properly verify whether the requesting entity has appropriate authorization levels to access certain data repositories or functionality. This improper access control mechanism creates a pathway for malicious actors to bypass standard security boundaries and potentially extract confidential information from systems running vulnerable versions of the software. The flaw operates at the application layer where network-based communication occurs, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited remotely without requiring physical access to the target system. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-284, which specifically addresses improper access control issues, highlighting the core problem of inadequate authorization checks within the software architecture.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to organizations relying on Intel's Computing Improvement Program for system optimization and monitoring. The potential for information disclosure could expose sensitive system configurations, performance metrics, user data, and other telemetry information that might be valuable to attackers. The remote exploitation capability means that threat actors could potentially compromise systems from outside the network perimeter, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for enterprise environments. The impact extends beyond simple data exposure as the information gathered could be used for further targeting, system reconnaissance, or to facilitate more sophisticated attacks. Organizations may face compliance violations and regulatory penalties if sensitive data is compromised through this vulnerability, especially in industries with strict data protection requirements such as healthcare, finance, or government sectors.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-12308 primarily focus on immediate software updates and network-level protections. The most effective remediation involves upgrading to Intel Computing Improvement Program version 2.4.5982 or later, which includes patched access control mechanisms and improved authentication protocols. Network administrators should implement additional security controls such as firewall rules to restrict access to relevant ports and services, while also monitoring network traffic for suspicious activity that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's characteristics align with ATT&CK technique T1074.001, which involves data staging through remote access tools, suggesting that attackers might leverage this flaw to establish persistent access and exfiltrate information over time. Organizations should also conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify any systems running vulnerable versions and implement network segmentation to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. Regular security monitoring and incident response procedures should be enhanced to detect and respond to potential exploitation activities related to this specific access control weakness.