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Intel x86 Debug Exception Vulnerability

The poor implementation of a statement in Intel's x86 programming manual can cause privilege escalation or denial-of-service on all operating system (OS) kernels developed using this guide.
Threat ID:
CC-2327
Category:
Exploit
Threat Severity:
Medium
Threat Vector:
Published:
10 May 2018 12:00 AM
Report a cyber attack: call 0300 303 5222 or email [email protected]

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This article no longer conforms to NHS Digital's standards for cyber alerts, and may contain outdated or inaccurate information. Use of this information contained in this page is at your own risk

Summary

The poor implementation of a statement in Intel's x86 programming manual can cause privilege escalation or denial-of-service on all operating system (OS) kernels developed using this guide.

Threat details

This vulnerability is caused by mishandling the MOV SS and POP SS instructions detailed in the System Programming Guide provided as part of Intel's 64-bit and 32-bit x86 Architectures Software Developer's Manual (SDM). Please note that this vulnerability is present in all systems that implement the Intel x86 architectures, including AMD. When MOV SS and POP SS are followed by a similar or unexpected instruction it can cause unexpected OS behaviour. In some cases, it will cause the instructions to be executed in the kernel-space as opposed to the user-space, allowing an attacker to access sensitive kernel data. In others it will cause the kernel to hang whilst executing the instruction.

At the time of publication there are no known exploits of this vulnerability.

For further information:

Remediation steps

Type Step
All major OS vendors have released or are in the process of releasing updates to rectify this vulnerability. Users are advised to update their affected systems immediately. A full list of affected vendors and their patch status can be found here.

CVE Vulnerabilities

Status

CVE-2018-8897

Last edited: 17 February 2020 12:45 pm