CVE-2023-31349 in μProf Tool
Summary
by MITRE • 08/13/2024
Incorrect default permissions in the AMD μProf installation directory could allow an attacker to achieve privilege escalation, potentially resulting in arbitrary code execution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/03/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-31349 represents a critical security flaw in the AMD μProf profiling tool installation process that fundamentally compromises system integrity through improper default permissions. This issue specifically affects the installation directory where AMD μProf is deployed, creating a persistent security weakness that can be exploited by malicious actors to elevate their privileges and gain unauthorized control over affected systems. The flaw stems from the installation routine failing to properly configure access controls for the μProf directory, leaving it susceptible to unauthorized modifications and privilege escalation attempts that could ultimately lead to arbitrary code execution.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the improper implementation of file and directory permission settings during the AMD μProf installation process. When the profiling tool is installed, the system fails to establish appropriate access controls for the installation directory, allowing local users to modify critical files or inject malicious code. This misconfiguration creates a path for privilege escalation attacks where an attacker with limited user privileges can manipulate the profiling tool's environment to execute code with elevated permissions. The vulnerability manifests as a weakness in the principle of least privilege, where the installation directory inherits overly permissive default settings that should be restricted to authorized administrative access only.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-31349 extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass potential system compromise and data integrity violations. An attacker exploiting this vulnerability could gain unauthorized access to system resources, potentially leading to complete system takeover through the execution of malicious code. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it leverages the legitimate installation of profiling software, making detection more challenging and allowing the attacker to operate under the assumption of system legitimacy. This vulnerability affects systems running AMD μProf software and creates a persistent backdoor that could remain undetected for extended periods while providing attackers with ongoing access to compromised environments.
Security professionals should consider this vulnerability in the context of broader privilege escalation attack patterns documented in the ATT&CK framework, specifically under techniques related to privilege escalation through software exploitation and access control manipulation. The flaw aligns with CWE-276, which addresses incorrect permissions for critical resources, and represents a classic example of how default security configurations can create exploitable conditions within legitimate software installations. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including proper directory permission configuration, regular security audits of installed software components, and monitoring for unauthorized modifications to profiling tool directories. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of adhering to security best practices such as implementing least privilege access controls, regularly updating software installations, and maintaining comprehensive system integrity monitoring to prevent exploitation of similar permission-based vulnerabilities in other software components.
This security weakness demonstrates the critical importance of proper access control implementation during software installation processes and highlights how seemingly benign configuration issues can create significant security risks. The vulnerability's persistence and potential for arbitrary code execution make it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where profiling tools are commonly deployed for system monitoring and performance analysis. Organizations should prioritize patching affected systems, implementing additional access controls for profiling tool directories, and conducting thorough security assessments of all installed software components to prevent exploitation of similar permission-based vulnerabilities.