CVE-2020-12331 in Unite Cloud Service Client
Summary
by MITRE • 11/13/2020
Improper access controls in Intel Unite(R) Cloud Service client before version 4.2.12212 may allow an authenticated user to potentially enable escalation of privilege via local access.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/06/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-12331 represents a critical access control flaw within Intel Unite Cloud Service client software, specifically affecting versions prior to 4.2.12212. This issue manifests as a privilege escalation vulnerability that can be exploited by authenticated users who possess local access to the affected system. The Intel Unite platform serves as a cloud-based collaboration solution that enables remote desktop sharing, screen sharing, and other enterprise communication features, making it a critical component in modern business environments. The vulnerability arises from inadequate validation of user permissions and access controls within the client application, creating potential pathways for malicious actors to elevate their privileges beyond what should be permitted.
From a technical perspective, the flaw stems from improper implementation of access control mechanisms that fail to adequately verify user credentials and authorization levels before granting elevated privileges. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-284 access control weakness category, specifically addressing improper access control in software applications. The local access requirement indicates that an attacker must first establish a legitimate user session or gain physical access to the target machine, but once achieved, the flaw allows for privilege escalation that could potentially enable full system compromise. The affected Intel Unite client operates with elevated privileges during certain operations, and the improper access control implementation fails to properly validate whether the authenticated user should possess such elevated rights.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it can potentially enable attackers to gain unauthorized access to sensitive enterprise data, modify system configurations, or establish persistent access points within the network. The cloud service nature of Intel Unite means that compromised client systems could serve as entry points for broader network infiltration, particularly in enterprise environments where the platform is widely deployed. Organizations using this software may face significant security risks including data breaches, unauthorized system modifications, and potential lateral movement within their network infrastructure. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects the client-side application rather than the server component, meaning that even if the cloud service itself is properly secured, individual client installations remain vulnerable.
Security mitigations for this vulnerability primarily focus on immediate software updates to version 4.2.12212 or later, which contain the necessary access control fixes. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management processes to ensure all affected client systems are updated promptly. Additionally, network segmentation and monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual privilege escalation activities that might indicate exploitation attempts. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under privilege escalation techniques, specifically targeting the use of local tools and exploits to gain elevated system privileges. System administrators should also consider implementing additional access controls such as mandatory access controls and privilege separation to minimize the potential impact if the vulnerability is successfully exploited. Regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to verify that access control mechanisms are properly implemented and functioning as intended.