CVE-2022-29871 in CSME Software Installer
Summary
by MITRE • 08/11/2023
Improper access control in the Intel(R) CSME software installer before version 2239.3.7.0 may allow an authenticated user to potentially enable escalation of privilege via local access.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/17/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-29871 represents a critical access control flaw within Intel's Client System Management Engine (CSME) software installer. This issue affects versions prior to 2239.3.7.0 and demonstrates a significant weakness in the privilege management mechanisms that govern system-level operations. The CSME software serves as a foundational component for Intel's management and security features, operating at a low system level with elevated privileges and extensive access to hardware and system resources. The vulnerability arises from improper validation of access controls during the installation process, creating a potential pathway for malicious actors to exploit the system's security model.
The technical implementation of this flaw stems from inadequate authorization checks within the installer component that handles CSME software deployment. When an authenticated user attempts to install or update CSME software, the system fails to properly verify whether the user possesses sufficient privileges to execute privileged operations. This weakness allows an attacker with legitimate user credentials to potentially manipulate the installation process and gain elevated privileges beyond what should be permitted for standard user accounts. The vulnerability specifically manifests during local access scenarios where the attacker can interact directly with the system and execute installation commands that should normally be restricted to administrative users or system processes.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it fundamentally compromises the security architecture of systems running affected Intel CSME versions. Attackers could leverage this weakness to bypass security controls that rely on proper privilege separation, potentially enabling them to access sensitive system information, modify critical system components, or establish persistent access points. The implications are particularly severe because CSME operates with high system privileges and maintains access to hardware-level functions including firmware updates, security policy enforcement, and system monitoring capabilities. This vulnerability effectively undermines the principle of least privilege and creates opportunities for attackers to move laterally within compromised systems or gain deeper access to enterprise networks.
Security professionals should recognize this vulnerability as aligning with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control in software systems. The flaw demonstrates characteristics consistent with privilege escalation vulnerabilities that enable attackers to perform actions beyond their authorized permissions. From an adversarial perspective, this vulnerability maps to multiple ATT&CK techniques including privilege escalation and persistence mechanisms, as attackers could use the elevated privileges to maintain access or deploy additional malicious components. Organizations should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems and implement monitoring for unauthorized installation activities or unusual privilege escalation attempts. The remediation process requires updating to Intel CSME software version 2239.3.7.0 or later, which includes enhanced access control validation and proper privilege verification mechanisms that address the root cause of this vulnerability.