CVE-2020-8754 in AMT
Summary
by MITRE • 11/12/2020
Out-of-bounds read in 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-2020-8754 represents a critical out-of-bounds read flaw within Intel's Active Management Technology subsystem and Intel Standard Manageability components. This issue affects multiple versions of Intel AMT and ISM software across different release lines, specifically those prior to 11.8.80, 11.12.80, 11.22.80, 12.0.70, and 14.0.45. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the network processing routines of these management subsystems, creating a condition where malicious actors can trigger memory access violations through crafted network packets. The flaw exists at the protocol level where the software fails to properly bounds-check data received over the network, allowing an attacker to read memory locations beyond the intended buffer boundaries. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-129, which specifically addresses insufficient bounds checking, and represents a classic example of how improper memory management can lead to information disclosure. The attack vector requires only network access, making it particularly dangerous as it does not require physical presence or authentication credentials to exploit.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can potentially expose sensitive system data including configuration parameters, authentication credentials, or other confidential information stored in memory. When an unauthenticated attacker successfully exploits this out-of-bounds read condition, they can potentially extract data from adjacent memory locations that may contain system secrets, user credentials, or other valuable information. The vulnerability's presence in Intel AMT and ISM components is particularly concerning because these subsystems are designed to operate continuously and often maintain elevated privileges, making any information disclosure potentially catastrophic for system security. The flaw can be exploited through standard network protocols used by these management systems, meaning that any device running affected versions of Intel AMT or ISM is at risk when accessible over the network. This vulnerability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1082, which involves discovering system information, and T1005, which focuses on data from local system storage, as attackers can leverage this flaw to extract sensitive data from memory.
Organizations must prioritize immediate remediation of this vulnerability through the deployment of Intel's official patches and firmware updates for affected systems. The recommended mitigation strategy involves updating all Intel AMT and ISM implementations to versions 11.8.80, 11.12.80, 11.22.80, 12.0.70, and 14.0.45 or later, depending on the specific product line in use. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to restrict access to Intel AMT management interfaces, particularly when these systems are exposed to untrusted networks. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive inventory audits to identify all devices running affected versions of Intel AMT or ISM, as these subsystems are often enabled by default on many enterprise hardware platforms. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date firmware and management software in enterprise environments, as these components often serve as persistent attack vectors that remain active even when primary operating systems are updated. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual network traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, and organizations should consider implementing network-based intrusion detection systems specifically configured to identify potential exploitation of this class of vulnerability.