Intel Active Management Technology (AMT) is a component of the Intel vPro technology, utilized by businesses and organizations to remotely manage and secure computer systems. It is widely used in corporate environments to perform remote diagnostics, update systems, and troubleshoot issues without the need for physical access. The technology is embedded into firmware and usually provides features for network monitoring and application management. System administrators find it valuable as it enables them to handle maintenance tasks effectively and efficiently across large-scale network environments. AMT is particularly beneficial for companies aiming to minimize downtime and enhance workflow productivity through remote management capabilities.
The vulnerability in Intel Active Management Technology involves an authentication bypass that could allow non-privileged attackers to gain unauthorized access to the system. This vulnerability allows the attacker to gain system privileges to affected Intel manageability features, potentially compromising data security and system integrity. The vulnerability affects Intel AMT, Intel Standard Manageability, and Intel Small Business Technology in several firmware versions. Exploiting this flaw can give attackers unauthorized control and management capabilities over hostile environments. This makes it a critical concern, given its potentially severe security impacts.
The technical details of this vulnerability center around the unauthenticated access paths within the affected Intel technology platforms. Attackers can leverage network or local system privileges to bypass standard authentication processes, gaining unauthorized management access. The mismatch or gap within the AMT authentication protocols makes it susceptible to such a breach, where credentials can potentially be bypassed through crafted requests. Vulnerable components do not restrict or manage access effectively, allowing unauthorized control exploitation by devious operators. This flaw emphasizes the need for strict authentication checks and regular firmware updates.
Exploiting the authentication bypass vulnerability can lead to several severe consequences. Malicious individuals can gain unauthorized access to critical systems, allowing them to monitor, manage or corrupt data and settings. This may lead to a loss of confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data, making it susceptible to further malicious activities. The unauthorized access could disrupt business operations, leading to financial losses and reputational damage. Additionally, it poses a significant security risk to the organization's IT infrastructure, potentially allowing attackers to infiltrate deeper into network environments.
REFERENCES
- https://security-center.intel.com/advisory.aspx?intelid=INTEL-SA-00075&languageid=en-fr
- https://www.tenable.com/blog/rediscovering-the-intel-amt-vulnerability
- https://www.embedi.com/news/mythbusters-cve-2017-5689
- https://www.embedi.com/files/white-papers/Silent-Bob-is-Silent.pdf
- https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/cve-2017-5689
- Update Intel Active Management firmware to the following versions to mitigate the vulnerability: 11.6.55, 11.7.55, 11.11.55, 11.0.25, 8.1.71, or 7.1.91.
- Regularly review and apply manufacturer updates and patches to maintain system security.
- Implement additional authentication layers to reduce the risk of unauthorized access.
- Conduct regular security audits and penetration testing to identify and fix other potential vulnerabilities.
- Apply network segmentation and firewall rules to restrict unauthorized network access.
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