Description Preview
CVE-2018-12160 concerns a DLL injection vulnerability in the software installer for Intel Data Center Migration Center Software (Intel Data Migration Software) prior to v3.1. An authenticated user with local access may exploit the installer to execute arbitrary code with the installer’s default directory permissions, which could result in escalation of privileges on the affected system. Intel published an advisory (intel-sa-00170) outlining the issue and its remediation. Affected product: Intel Data Migration Software, version v3.1 and earlier.
Overview
This CVE describes a DLL injection flaw in the installer of Intel Data Center Migration Center Software (Intel Data Migration Software) up to version 3.1. An authenticated local attacker could leverage the installer’s loading behavior to run arbitrary code with the default directory permissions, enabling potential privilege escalation on the host. The vulnerability was disclosed in 2018 and is associated with Intel advisory intel-sa-00170.
Remediation
- Upgrade to a fixed version of Intel Data Migration Software that contains the patch for this DLL injection issue (as specified in Intel advisory intel-sa-00170).
- If upgrading immediately isn’t possible, apply compensating controls:
- Restrict installer execution to privileged accounts and limit local access to the installer and related DLLs.
- Harden directory permissions around the installation and temporary directories used by the installer to prevent tampering.
- Implement application whitelisting and code-signing checks for installer components; disable or tightly control DLL search paths used during installation.
- Monitor and alert on installer-related activity and potential DLL injection attempts using endpoint detection and response (EDR) tooling.
- Ensure the underlying OS and security patches are current to minimize related attack surface.
- After applying remediation, re-scan or re-test to confirm the vulnerability is mitigated.
References
- Intel Advisory: Intel-SA-00170 — https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/security-center/advisory/intel-sa-00170.html
- CVE-2018-12160 — MITRE: https://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2018-12160
- CVE-2018-12160 — NVD: https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2018-12160
Industry ExposureMost to leastThis section illustrates the prevalence of a specific Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) across various industries based on customer reports. The ranking displays industries from the most to least affected by this particular vulnerability, offering valuable insight into where this CVE has been most frequently observed. This information can help organizations within these sectors prioritize their security efforts, understand their relative risk exposure compared to their peers, and focus remediation strategies where they are most needed. By understanding the industry-specific impact, organizations can make more informed decisions regarding patching, resource allocation, and overall risk management related to this CVE.
This section illustrates the prevalence of a specific Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) across various industries based on customer reports. The ranking displays industries from the most to least affected by this particular vulnerability, offering valuable insight into where this CVE has been most frequently observed. This information can help organizations within these sectors prioritize their security efforts, understand their relative risk exposure compared to their peers, and focus remediation strategies where they are most needed. By understanding the industry-specific impact, organizations can make more informed decisions regarding patching, resource allocation, and overall risk management related to this CVE.
- Accommodation & Food ServicesAccommodation & Food Services: Low
- Administrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation ServicesAdministrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation Services: Low
- Agriculture, Forestry Fishing & HuntingAgriculture, Forestry Fishing & Hunting: Low
- Arts, Entertainment & RecreationArts, Entertainment & Recreation: Low
- ConstructionConstruction: Low
- Educational ServicesEducational Services: Low
- Finance and InsuranceFinance and Insurance: Low
- Health Care & Social AssistanceHealth Care & Social Assistance: Low
- InformationInformation: Low
- Management of Companies & EnterprisesManagement of Companies & Enterprises: Low
- ManufacturingManufacturing: Low
- MiningMining: Low
- Other Services (except Public Administration)Other Services (except Public Administration): Low
- Professional, Scientific, & Technical ServicesProfessional, Scientific, & Technical Services: Low
- Public AdministrationPublic Administration: Low
- Real Estate Rental & LeasingReal Estate Rental & Leasing: Low
- Retail TradeRetail Trade: Low
- Transportation & WarehousingTransportation & Warehousing: Low
- UtilitiesUtilities: Low
- Wholesale TradeWholesale Trade: Low

