CVE-2020-8753 in AMT
Summary
by MITRE • 11/12/2020
Out-of-bounds read in DHCP subsystem for Intel(R) AMT, Intel(R) ISM versions before 11.8.80, 11.12.80, 11.22.80, 12.0.70 and 14.0.45 may allow an unauthenticated 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-2020-8753 represents a critical out-of-bounds read flaw within the dhcp subsystem of Intel Active Management Technology and Intel Standard Manageability components. This security weakness affects multiple versions of Intel AMT and ISM software, specifically those prior to 11.8.80, 11.12.80, 11.22.80, 12.0.70, and 14.0.45 releases. The flaw exists in the handling of network packets within the DHCP protocol implementation, where insufficient input validation allows malicious actors to manipulate the system's memory access patterns. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the network level and requires no authentication credentials to exploit, making it accessible to any attacker with network connectivity to the affected system. This type of flaw falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-125, which specifically addresses out-of-bounds read conditions that can lead to information disclosure and potentially more severe consequences depending on the memory locations accessed.
The technical execution of this vulnerability occurs when the DHCP subsystem processes malformed or specially crafted network packets containing maliciously constructed DHCP options or parameters. During the parsing of these packets, the software fails to properly validate array bounds before accessing memory locations, resulting in an out-of-bounds read operation that can expose sensitive data from adjacent memory regions. The impact extends beyond simple information disclosure as the leaked memory contents may contain cryptographic keys, user credentials, system configuration details, or other sensitive information that could be leveraged for further exploitation. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and T1046 (Network Service Scanning) as attackers can use it to gather intelligence about the target system's configuration and operational state. The out-of-bounds read behavior can potentially be chained with other vulnerabilities to achieve privilege escalation or remote code execution depending on the specific memory locations accessed and the system's overall security posture.
From an operational standpoint, this vulnerability presents a significant risk to enterprise environments that rely on Intel AMT and ISM for remote system management and monitoring. These technologies are commonly deployed in data centers, server farms, and enterprise networks where they provide critical out-of-band management capabilities. The unauthenticated nature of the exploit means that attackers can potentially access sensitive information without requiring valid credentials, making it particularly dangerous in environments where these management interfaces are exposed to untrusted networks or the internet. Organizations running affected versions of Intel AMT and ISM software face potential exposure to information disclosure attacks that could reveal system configurations, network topology details, or other sensitive operational data. The vulnerability's presence in multiple version streams indicates a widespread impact across different product lines and release cycles, requiring comprehensive patch management strategies to address all affected systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-8753 primarily focus on immediate software updates and network segmentation measures. Organizations should prioritize updating all affected Intel AMT and ISM components to versions 11.8.80, 11.12.80, 11.22.80, 12.0.70, or 14.0.45, respectively, depending on their current software versions. Network administrators should implement strict firewall rules to restrict access to the affected management interfaces and disable unnecessary network services that might expose these vulnerable subsystems. Additional protective measures include monitoring network traffic for anomalous DHCP packet patterns and implementing intrusion detection systems that can identify potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's classification under CWE-125 and its potential for information disclosure aligns with security frameworks that emphasize the importance of input validation and memory safety practices. Organizations should also consider implementing zero-trust network architectures that minimize the attack surface of management interfaces and ensure that only authorized personnel can access these critical system components. Regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify and remediate similar memory safety issues that could potentially exist in other network subsystems.