CVE-2023-28388: Intel Chipset Device Software Privilege Escalation

CVE-2023-28388 Overview

CVE-2023-28388 is an uncontrolled search path element vulnerability affecting Intel Chipset Device Software before version 10.1.19444.8378. This security flaw may allow an authenticated user to potentially enable escalation of privilege via local access. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of search paths (CWE-427), which can be exploited by attackers with local system access to execute malicious code with elevated privileges.

Critical Impact

Authenticated local attackers can exploit this uncontrolled search path vulnerability to escalate privileges on systems running vulnerable versions of Intel Chipset Device Software, potentially gaining full system control.

Affected Products

• Intel Chipset Device Software versions prior to 10.1.19444.8378

Discovery Timeline

• 2023-11-14 - CVE-2023-28388 published to NVD
• 2024-11-21 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2023-28388

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability is classified as an Uncontrolled Search Path Element (CWE-427), a type of flaw that occurs when an application uses a fixed or controlled path to locate critical resources but fails to properly restrict the directories that may be included in that path. In the context of Intel Chipset Device Software, this weakness allows an attacker to place a malicious DLL or executable in a location that the software searches before finding the legitimate file.

The vulnerability requires local access and low-privilege authentication to exploit. Once exploited, an attacker can achieve complete compromise of confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected system. This makes the vulnerability particularly concerning for enterprise environments where workstations may run the vulnerable Intel software.

Root Cause

The root cause of CVE-2023-28388 lies in the improper implementation of search path handling within Intel Chipset Device Software. When the application attempts to load dynamic libraries or executables, it searches through directories in a predictable order without adequately validating that the loaded components originate from trusted locations.

This typically manifests as:

• Unquoted service paths that allow path interception
• DLL search order hijacking through writable directories
• Failure to use absolute paths for critical resource loading

Attack Vector

The attack vector for this vulnerability is local, meaning an attacker must already have some level of access to the target system. The exploitation flow typically involves:

1. Reconnaissance: The attacker identifies a vulnerable installation of Intel Chipset Device Software (versions before 10.1.19444.8378)
2. Payload Placement: A malicious DLL or executable is placed in a directory that appears earlier in the search path than the legitimate file location
3. Trigger Execution: When the Intel software executes and attempts to load the targeted component, it loads the attacker's malicious file instead
4. Privilege Escalation: The malicious code executes with the privileges of the Intel Chipset Device Software process, often elevated compared to the attacker's original access level

Due to the nature of this vulnerability (DLL hijacking/search path manipulation), exploitation does not require any user interaction once the malicious payload is in place. The vulnerability is triggered automatically when the software runs and searches for its required components.

Detection Methods for CVE-2023-28388

Indicators of Compromise

• Unexpected DLL files in directories within the system PATH or application directories that contain Intel Chipset Device Software
• Unusual process execution chains where Intel Chipset Device Software spawns unexpected child processes
• Modified or newly created executable files in writable directories that intersect with the software's search path
• Anomalous privilege escalation events correlated with Intel software execution

Detection Strategies

• Monitor for DLL loading events from non-standard directories using endpoint detection tools
• Implement application whitelisting to prevent unauthorized executables from running in the context of Intel software
• Deploy file integrity monitoring on directories associated with Intel Chipset Device Software installation paths
• Utilize SentinelOne's behavioral AI to detect privilege escalation attempts and anomalous code execution patterns

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable detailed process creation and DLL loading audit logs on systems with Intel Chipset Device Software installed
• Configure alerts for file modifications in system directories that may be searched by the vulnerable software
• Regularly audit installed software versions to identify systems running Intel Chipset Device Software versions prior to 10.1.19444.8378
• Monitor for lateral movement attempts following potential exploitation of local privilege escalation vulnerabilities

How to Mitigate CVE-2023-28388

Immediate Actions Required

• Update Intel Chipset Device Software to version 10.1.19444.8378 or later immediately
• Audit all systems to identify installations of vulnerable software versions
• Review directory permissions on paths that may be included in the software's search path to ensure they are not writable by low-privilege users
• Implement application control policies to prevent unauthorized code execution

Patch Information

Intel has addressed this vulnerability in Intel Chipset Device Software version 10.1.19444.8378 and later releases. Organizations should obtain the updated software through official Intel channels and apply the patch following their standard change management procedures.

For detailed patch information and download links, refer to the Intel Security Advisory SA-00870.

Workarounds

• Restrict write permissions on all directories in the system PATH and application installation directories to administrators only
• Use Group Policy or endpoint protection tools to enforce application whitelisting, preventing unauthorized executables from running
• Consider temporarily disabling or restricting access to Intel Chipset Device Software services until patching can be completed
• Implement network segmentation to limit the potential impact of compromised workstations