CVE-2019-0091 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

A code injection vulnerability in the installer for Intel(R) Converged Security & Management Engine (CSME) and Intel(R) Trusted Execution Engine Interface (TXE) could lead to privilege escalation.

Understanding CVE-2019-0091

This CVE involves a potential code injection vulnerability in specific versions of Intel(R) CSME and TXE, allowing unauthorized users to escalate privileges.

What is CVE-2019-0091?

The vulnerability in the Intel(R) CSME and TXE installer, before certain versions, may enable an unauthorized local user to escalate privileges through code injection.

The Impact of CVE-2019-0091

The vulnerability could be exploited by a local unauthorized user to elevate privileges, posing a risk of unauthorized access and control over affected systems.

Technical Details of CVE-2019-0091

This section provides detailed technical information about the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability lies in the installer for Intel(R) CSME versions before 11.8.65, 11.11.65, 11.22.65, 12.0.35, and Intel(R) TXE 3.1.65, 4.0.15, allowing potential code injection.

Affected Systems and Versions

Intel(R) Converged Security & Management Engine (CSME) versions before 11.8.65, 11.11.65, 11.22.65, 12.0.35
Intel(R) Trusted Execution Engine Interface (TXE) versions 3.1.65, 4.0.15

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability could be exploited by an unauthorized local user with access to the system to inject malicious code, leading to privilege escalation.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from this vulnerability requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply patches provided by Intel to update affected versions promptly.
Monitor system logs for any suspicious activities indicating potential exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement the principle of least privilege to restrict user access rights.
Regularly update and patch software to prevent known vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Intel has released patches to address the vulnerability; ensure all affected systems are updated with the latest versions.