CVE-2022-36794 in SPS
Summary
by MITRE • 02/16/2023
Improper condition check in some Intel(R) SPS firmware before version SPS_E3_06.00.03.300.0 may allow a privileged user to potentially enable denial of service via local access.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/18/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-36794 represents a critical flaw in Intel's Server Platform Services (SPS) firmware affecting versions prior to SPS_E3_06.00.03.300.0. This issue resides within the firmware's condition checking mechanisms, specifically in how the system validates privilege levels and access controls during local operations. The vulnerability classification aligns with CWE-284 which addresses improper access control, and potentially CWE-362 which deals with concurrent execution use of a resource. The flaw manifests when a privileged user attempts to manipulate system resources through local access channels, creating a potential vector for denial of service attacks that could severely impact server availability and operational continuity.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate validation of privilege levels within the firmware's access control mechanisms. When a user with elevated privileges attempts to perform certain operations, the firmware fails to properly verify that the operation is authorized within the current security context. This improper condition check allows for potential exploitation where authenticated users can manipulate system resources in ways that were not intended by the firmware design. The flaw specifically affects the local access pathways that are typically used for system management and configuration operations, making it particularly dangerous in environments where local access is permitted or where privilege escalation attacks are possible.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant risk to server infrastructure and business continuity. A malicious privileged user could potentially cause system instability, service interruptions, or complete denial of service through carefully crafted local access attempts. The impact extends beyond simple service disruption as it could compromise the integrity of system management functions that are critical for server maintenance, monitoring, and operational control. Organizations relying on Intel SPS firmware for their server platforms face potential risks including extended downtime, increased operational overhead, and possible data availability issues during attack scenarios. The vulnerability's local access requirement means that exploitation typically requires either physical access to the system or network access with elevated privileges, but the consequences can be severe.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-36794 primarily focus on firmware updates and privilege management. Organizations should immediately apply the patched firmware version SPS_E3_06.00.03.300.0 or later to address the condition check flaw. Additionally, implementing strict access controls and monitoring for unusual local access patterns can help detect potential exploitation attempts. Network segmentation and privilege least-privilege principles should be enforced to minimize the potential impact if exploitation occurs. Security teams should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems that can monitor for anomalous behavior patterns consistent with the vulnerability's exploitation methods. The remediation aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which addresses local privilege escalation and T1499 which covers endpoint denial of service attacks. Regular firmware inventory management and vulnerability assessment programs are essential for maintaining protection against similar future vulnerabilities in firmware components.