CVE-2020-8757 in AMT
Summary
by MITRE • 11/12/2020
Out-of-bounds read in subsystem for Intel(R) AMT versions before 11.8.80, 11.12.80, 11.22.80, 12.0.70 and 14.0.45 may allow a privileged 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-2020-8757 represents a critical out-of-bounds read flaw within Intel's Active Management Technology subsystem affecting multiple version ranges including 11.8.80, 11.12.80, 11.22.80, 12.0.70, and 14.0.45. This issue resides within the Intel AMT software framework which provides remote management capabilities for enterprise systems, making it a significant concern for organizations relying on these technologies. The vulnerability specifically impacts systems where Intel AMT is enabled and running, creating potential attack vectors that could be exploited by malicious actors with local access privileges.
The technical implementation of this out-of-bounds read vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the Intel AMT subsystem's memory handling mechanisms. When processing certain input parameters or commands through the management interface, the system fails to properly bounds-check array accesses or buffer operations, allowing memory reads beyond allocated boundaries. This flaw typically manifests when a privileged user executes specific management commands or interacts with the AMT interface in particular ways. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-129 as an Improper Validation of Array Index, which directly relates to the failure to validate input parameters before array access operations. The root cause involves insufficient boundary checking in memory management routines that handle communication protocols between the management engine and external interfaces.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates a potential privilege escalation pathway for attackers who already possess local access to a system running vulnerable Intel AMT versions. While the attack requires local system access, this limitation does not diminish the severity given that local privilege escalation can provide attackers with elevated system privileges, potentially enabling further lateral movement within networks or access to sensitive system resources. The impact extends beyond individual systems as Intel AMT is commonly deployed in enterprise environments where it provides remote management capabilities for hundreds or thousands of devices, making the potential attack surface significant. Organizations may face risks including unauthorized system access, data exfiltration, or deployment of malicious payloads through the compromised management channels, particularly since Intel AMT operates independently of the main operating system and maintains persistent network connections.
The mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-8757 primarily focus on updating Intel AMT firmware to versions that address the out-of-bounds read vulnerability, specifically targeting the patched versions mentioned in the CVE description. System administrators should prioritize updating all managed systems to ensure compliance with Intel's security recommendations and maintain the latest firmware releases. Additional protective measures include disabling Intel AMT when not actively required, implementing network segmentation to isolate management interfaces, and monitoring for anomalous network traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing runtime protection mechanisms and regular vulnerability assessments to identify any remaining systems that may still be running vulnerable versions. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation, indicating potential exploitation paths through local system commands and privilege elevation techniques. Security teams must also evaluate their incident response procedures to ensure readiness for potential exploitation attempts targeting Intel AMT management interfaces, as this vulnerability could serve as an initial access point for broader network compromise operations.