CVE-2024-25647 in Binary Configuration Tool Software
Summary
by MITRE • 11/13/2024
Incorrect default permissions for some Intel(R) Binary Configuration Tool software for Windows before version 3.4.5 may allow an authenticated user to potentially enable escalation of privilege via local access.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/13/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-25647 affects Intel(R) Binary Configuration Tool software for Windows versions prior to 3.4.5, representing a critical security flaw that could enable authenticated users to escalate privileges through local access. This issue stems from improper default permissions assigned to certain components within the software installation, creating potential attack vectors for malicious actors who have already gained user-level access to a system. The vulnerability specifically impacts the privilege escalation capabilities of the affected software, making it a significant concern for enterprise environments where multiple users may have varying levels of system access.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the improper implementation of access controls and permission settings during the software installation process. When Intel's Binary Configuration Tool is installed on Windows systems, certain files or registry entries are created with default permissions that are too permissive for the privileges they grant. This misconfiguration allows an authenticated user who has already established a foothold on the system to potentially manipulate these components and gain elevated privileges. The flaw operates at the operating system level, leveraging the principle of least privilege violations where system resources are accessible beyond what is strictly necessary for normal operation. According to CWE standards, this represents a weakness categorized under CWE-276, which deals with incorrect permissions for critical resources, and the vulnerability specifically aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers 'Local Privilege Escalation' through the exploitation of system-level access controls.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-25647 extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it could potentially allow attackers to gain administrative access to affected systems, enabling them to install malicious software, modify system configurations, or access sensitive data. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where the Binary Configuration Tool might be used by multiple users or deployed across numerous systems, as it creates a consistent attack surface that could be exploited to compromise entire networks. Organizations using older versions of the software may find their systems vulnerable to lateral movement attacks, where an initial compromise of a single user account could lead to full system control through this privilege escalation vector.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigation strategies including updating to Intel Binary Configuration Tool version 3.4.5 or later, which contains the necessary permission fixes. System administrators should also conduct thorough audits of existing installations to identify any systems running vulnerable versions, and review current access controls to ensure that only authorized personnel have access to the software. Additional protective measures include implementing strict access controls for system directories where the tool components are installed, monitoring for unusual access patterns to these locations, and ensuring that regular security assessments are performed on all systems that utilize this software. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date software versions and proper access control configurations as fundamental security practices that prevent exploitation of privilege escalation vulnerabilities.