CVE-2018-12208

Vulnerability

A buffer overflow vulnerability exists in the Host Embedded Controller Interface (HECI) subsystem of Intel Converged Security Management Engine (CSME) versions prior to 11.8.60, 11.11.60, 11.22.60, or 12.0.20, Intel Trusted Execution Engine (TXE) versions prior to 3.1.60 or 4.0.10, and Intel Server Platform Services (SPS) versions prior to 5.00.04.012 [1]. The flaw resides in the HECI driver or firmware component, which handles communication between the host OS and the management engine. Physical access to the device is required to trigger the overflow [1].

Exploitation

An unauthenticated attacker must have physical access to the target system to exploit this vulnerability [1]. By delivering a crafted payload via the HECI interface (e.g., through a specially prepared USB device or other physical vector), the attacker can trigger a buffer overflow in the HECI subsystem [1]. No prior authentication or user interaction is required beyond physical presence [1].

Impact

Successful exploitation allows an unauthenticated attacker with physical access to execute arbitrary code within the context of the affected Intel management engine (CSME, TXE, or SPS) [1]. This can lead to complete compromise of the platform's security features, including disclosure of sensitive data, privilege escalation, and persistent control over the system [1].

Mitigation

Intel has released firmware updates to address this vulnerability: CSME versions 11.8.60, 11.11.60, 11.22.60, or 12.0.20; TXE versions 3.1.60 or 4.0.10; and SPS version 5.00.04.012 [1]. System administrators and OEMs should apply the appropriate updates from their device manufacturer. If patching is not immediately possible, physical access controls (e.g., locking chassis, disabling unused ports) are recommended as workarounds [1]. This CVE is not known to be listed on CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog.