CVE-2023-28388 in Chipset Device Software
Summary
by MITRE • 11/14/2023
Uncontrolled search path element in some Intel(R) Chipset Device Software before version 10.1.19444.8378 may allow an authenticated user to potentially enable escalation of privilege via local access.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/09/2023
This vulnerability resides in Intel's chipset device software where an uncontrolled search path element creates a privilege escalation vector for authenticated users with local access. The flaw manifests when the software fails to properly validate or sanitize the search path used to locate required components or libraries during system operations. This improper handling allows malicious actors to manipulate the system's library loading process by placing malicious code in directories that are searched before legitimate system paths, effectively enabling code injection attacks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from CWE-427, which specifically addresses uncontrolled search path elements in software systems. When the chipset software performs dynamic library loading or component resolution, it does not adequately restrict the directories from which it loads executable code. This creates an environment where a local attacker with valid credentials can place malicious DLLs or shared libraries in directories that are prioritized in the search order, causing the system to execute unauthorized code with elevated privileges. The vulnerability affects systems running Intel chipset device software versions prior to 10.1.19444.8378, making it particularly concerning for enterprise environments where multiple systems may be running vulnerable software versions.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability represents a significant risk to system integrity and security posture. An authenticated local user can leverage this flaw to escalate privileges from standard user level to administrative or system-level access, potentially enabling further attacks such as lateral movement, data exfiltration, or persistence establishment. The attack requires only local access and valid user credentials, making it particularly dangerous in environments where user accounts may be compromised through social engineering or credential theft attacks. The impact extends beyond individual system compromise as successful exploitation could allow attackers to gain access to sensitive system resources, modify critical configuration files, or install persistent backdoors that could evade standard security controls.
The mitigation strategy for this vulnerability involves immediate deployment of Intel's patched chipset device software version 10.1.19444.8378 or later, which properly addresses the uncontrolled search path element issue through improved path validation and sanitization mechanisms. System administrators should also implement additional security controls such as enabling secure boot features, restricting local user privileges where possible, and monitoring for unusual library loading patterns. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under privilege escalation techniques, specifically targeting the T1068 - Exploitation for Privilege Escalation tactic. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies and monitoring for suspicious file creation or modification in system directories to detect potential exploitation attempts. Regular vulnerability assessments and patch management processes should be enhanced to ensure timely deployment of security updates across all system components including chipset firmware and device drivers.