CVE-2023-28823 in Communications Service Catalog and Design
Summary
by MITRE • 08/11/2023
Uncontrolled search path in some Intel(R) oneAPI Toolkit and component software installers before version 4.3.1.493 may allow an authenticated user to potentially enable escalation of privilege via local access.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/07/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-28823 represents a critical security flaw within Intel's oneAPI Toolkit and related component software installers prior to version 4.3.1.493. This issue stems from an uncontrolled search path condition that manifests during the installation process, creating potential pathways for privilege escalation attacks. The vulnerability specifically affects authenticated users with local access to systems running affected Intel software, making it particularly concerning for environments where local user accounts might be compromised or where administrative privileges are not properly segregated from standard user accounts.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in how the installer handles search paths during component installation, which creates opportunities for malicious actors to manipulate the installation process. When the installer searches for required components or libraries, it does not properly validate or sanitize the search paths, potentially allowing attackers to inject malicious code or binaries at strategic locations within the installation sequence. This flaw falls under the category of CWE-427 Uncontrolled Search Path, which is classified as a high-risk vulnerability in the Common Weakness Enumeration catalog and is commonly exploited in privilege escalation scenarios. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires only local access and authentication, making it accessible to users who may have legitimate access to the system but lack elevated privileges.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it can enable attackers to gain unauthorized access to system resources, modify critical components, or establish persistent backdoors within the affected systems. Attackers could potentially leverage this vulnerability to install malicious software, modify system configurations, or access sensitive data that would normally be protected by standard security controls. The affected Intel oneAPI Toolkit components are widely used in high-performance computing environments, data centers, and development workstations, meaning that exploitation could have significant consequences for organizations relying on these tools for scientific computing, artificial intelligence development, and other compute-intensive applications. This vulnerability creates a persistent threat vector that could remain active even after initial compromise, as the malicious code could be installed during routine software updates or installations.
Organizations should prioritize immediate remediation by updating to Intel oneAPI Toolkit version 4.3.1.493 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the uncontrolled search path issue. System administrators should also implement additional security controls including regular vulnerability assessments, monitoring for unusual installation activities, and ensuring proper access controls are in place to limit local user privileges. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under T1068 Privilege Escalation and T1547 Boot or Logon Autostart Execution, indicating that exploitation could lead to both immediate privilege elevation and persistent system access. Additional mitigations should include implementing least privilege principles for local user accounts, conducting regular security audits of installed software, and maintaining updated threat intelligence to detect potential exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing endpoint detection and response solutions that can monitor for suspicious installation activities or unauthorized modifications to system components, as these tools can provide early warning of potential exploitation attempts targeting this vulnerability.