CVE-2023-29162 in C++ Compiler Classic
Summary
by MITRE • 02/14/2024
Improper buffer restrictions the Intel(R) C++ Compiler Classic before version 2021.8 for Intel(R) oneAPI Toolkits before version 2022.3.1 may allow a privileged user to potentially enable escalation of privilege via local access.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/14/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-29162 represents a critical security flaw within the Intel(R) C++ Compiler Classic and Intel(R) oneAPI Toolkits ecosystem. This issue affects versions prior to 2021.8 of the compiler and versions before 2022.3.1 of the toolkits, creating a potential pathway for privilege escalation through local access. The vulnerability stems from improper buffer restrictions that could be exploited by malicious actors with local system access to gain elevated privileges. Such flaws are particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where development tools are extensively used and often run with elevated permissions during compilation processes.
The technical nature of this vulnerability involves buffer management failures within the compiler's implementation that could lead to memory corruption. When the compiler processes code containing specific patterns or constructs, it may not properly validate buffer boundaries, potentially allowing attackers to overwrite memory locations that control program execution flow. This type of flaw typically aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, or CWE-122, which covers heap-based buffer overflows. The buffer restriction issues create opportunities for attackers to manipulate memory layout and potentially execute arbitrary code with higher privileges than originally intended. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the compilation level where developers often run tools with elevated permissions to access system resources and perform necessary operations.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to organizations that rely heavily on Intel's development tools for software creation and deployment. The privilege escalation capability means that an attacker who gains local access to a system with the vulnerable compiler installed could potentially elevate their privileges to system administrator or root level. This scenario is particularly dangerous in development environments where compilers are frequently run with elevated privileges or where developers have administrative access to build systems. The impact extends beyond individual systems to potentially compromise entire development pipelines, as compromised compilers could affect the integrity of compiled applications. Organizations with continuous integration systems or automated build processes are especially vulnerable since these systems often run with elevated permissions and may be targeted by attackers seeking to establish persistent access.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems with the latest versions of Intel(R) oneAPI Toolkits and Intel(R) C++ Compiler Classic. Organizations should also implement strict access controls and privilege separation within their development environments, ensuring that compilation processes do not run with unnecessary elevated privileges. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual compilation activities or attempts to exploit buffer-related vulnerabilities. Additionally, regular vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify and remediate similar issues within the software development toolchain. The ATT&CK framework categorizes such vulnerabilities under T1068, which covers 'Exploitation for Privilege Escalation', making it a critical target for defensive measures. System administrators should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies to restrict execution of untrusted compiler binaries and maintain comprehensive audit logs of compilation activities to detect potential exploitation attempts.