CVE-2023-42667 in Core Ultra Processor
Summary
by MITRE • 08/14/2024
Improper isolation in the Intel(R) Core(TM) Ultra Processor stream cache mechanism may allow an authenticated user to potentially enable escalation of privilege via local access.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/19/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-42667 resides within the Intel Core Ultra Processor stream cache mechanism, representing a critical security flaw that undermines the fundamental isolation principles of modern processor architectures. This weakness specifically affects the stream cache component responsible for managing data flow and cache operations within the processor's execution units. The issue manifests when the processor fails to properly isolate cache operations between different execution contexts, creating potential pathways for privilege escalation attacks that can be exploited by authenticated local users.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from inadequate cache isolation mechanisms within the processor's microarchitecture. The stream cache, designed to optimize data access patterns and improve performance, contains a flaw in its cache line management and tagging systems that allows unauthorized access to cached data from different privilege levels or execution contexts. This improper isolation occurs at the hardware level where cache metadata and data are not sufficiently separated between different execution domains, enabling potential information leakage and cross-context contamination. The vulnerability specifically impacts how the processor handles cache operations during context switches and privilege transitions, where cache state information may persist or leak between different execution environments.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant threat to system security as it allows authenticated local users to potentially escalate their privileges from standard user level to administrative or kernel level access. The attack vector requires local system access and authentication, making it particularly concerning for environments where user accounts may be compromised or where insider threats exist. Successful exploitation could enable attackers to gain elevated privileges, access sensitive system resources, read protected memory areas, or manipulate critical system components. The impact extends beyond simple privilege escalation to potentially compromise the entire system integrity, as the vulnerability affects the core cache mechanisms that underpin processor security and isolation.
The security implications of CVE-2023-42667 align with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control in computing systems, and relates to the broader category of cache-based side-channel attacks that have become increasingly sophisticated in recent years. This vulnerability falls under the ATT&CK framework's privilege escalation techniques, specifically targeting the "Cache Side-Channel" and "Process Injection" domains where attackers leverage hardware-level weaknesses to bypass software-based security controls. Organizations implementing these processors should consider the vulnerability's potential for enabling advanced persistent threats where attackers can maintain long-term access through privilege escalation. The impact assessment should include consideration of supply chain risks, as this vulnerability affects processors that may be deployed across numerous computing platforms and systems.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should encompass both software and hardware approaches. Intel has released microcode updates to address the cache isolation weakness, requiring system administrators to deploy these updates promptly across affected systems. Additionally, operating system vendors have provided patches and security recommendations to enhance protection against potential exploitation. System hardening measures including disabling unnecessary processor features, implementing strict access controls, and monitoring for anomalous cache behavior can help reduce the attack surface. Organizations should also consider implementing runtime monitoring solutions that can detect unusual cache access patterns or privilege escalation attempts that may indicate exploitation of this vulnerability. The recommended approach includes regular security assessments, vulnerability scanning, and maintaining up-to-date threat intelligence to ensure comprehensive protection against this and related cache-based security weaknesses.