CVE-2020-24451 in Optane DC Persistent Memory Installer
Summary
by MITRE • 02/17/2021
Uncontrolled search path in the Intel(R) Optane(TM) DC Persistent Memory installer for Windows* before version 1.00.00.3506 may allow an authenticated user to potentially enable escalation of privilege via local access.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/02/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-24451 represents a critical security flaw in the Intel Optane DC Persistent Memory installer for Windows systems. This issue falls under the category of uncontrolled search path exploitation, a well-documented weakness that has been classified under CWE-427 and CWE-428. The vulnerability affects versions of the installer prior to 1.00.00.3506, indicating that Intel recognized the risk and provided a fix in their subsequent releases. The flaw specifically targets the installer's handling of search paths during the installation process, creating an opportunity for malicious actors to manipulate the installation flow.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from the installer's failure to properly validate or sanitize the search paths used during component installation. When an authenticated user with local access executes the installer, the system may inadvertently load malicious code from a compromised location within the search path. This occurs because the installer does not adequately control or restrict the directories it searches for required components, allowing attackers to place malicious binaries in locations that get prioritized during the installation sequence. The flaw essentially creates a race condition or path manipulation opportunity where the installer's search mechanism can be exploited to load unauthorized code.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it enables privilege escalation through local access, a critical security concern in enterprise environments. An authenticated user who can execute the installer can potentially elevate their privileges beyond what would normally be permitted, creating a vector for further attacks within the system. This vulnerability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers "Local Privilege Escalation," and represents a classic example of how installer vulnerabilities can be weaponized. The risk is particularly concerning because it requires only local access and authentication, making it accessible to users who may have legitimate access to the system but could abuse this privilege for malicious purposes.
The exploitation of this vulnerability typically involves placing malicious files in directories that are searched by the installer before the legitimate components. Attackers can leverage this by positioning their malicious binaries in locations that get precedence during the installation process, causing the installer to execute unintended code with elevated privileges. This type of attack is particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where system administrators may have elevated privileges and where the installer might be executed with administrative rights. The vulnerability creates a persistent threat vector that can be exploited to maintain access or escalate privileges beyond the initial compromise point. Organizations should implement strict access controls and ensure that all system components, particularly installation packages, are properly validated and updated to the latest versions to mitigate this risk.