CVE-2023-28389 is a vulnerability identified in Intel(R) Converged Security and Management Engine (CSME) installer software prior to version 2328.5.5.0. The root cause is incorrect default permissions set on components of the installer software, which can be exploited by an authenticated local user to escalate their privileges on the affected system. The vulnerability requires local access and user interaction, with the attacker needing at least low-level privileges initially. Once exploited, it can lead to a full compromise of confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the system, as indicated by the CVSS vector (C:H/I:H/A:H). The attack complexity is high, meaning exploitation is not trivial, and no known exploits have been reported in the wild to date. Intel CSME is a critical component embedded in many Intel platforms, responsible for security and management functions at a low level, making this vulnerability particularly sensitive. The vulnerability was published on March 14, 2024, and affects all versions before 2328.5.5.0. The CVSS score of 6.7 reflects a medium severity level, balancing the high impact with the complexity and requirement for local authenticated access. The vulnerability highlights the importance of correct permission settings in security-critical installer software to prevent privilege escalation attacks.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a risk primarily to systems running Intel hardware with the affected CSME installer software versions. Successful exploitation could allow an attacker with local access to escalate privileges, potentially leading to full system compromise. This can affect confidentiality by exposing sensitive data, integrity by allowing unauthorized modifications, and availability by enabling disruptive actions. Sectors with high reliance on Intel-based infrastructure, such as finance, government, telecommunications, and critical infrastructure, could face significant operational and reputational damage. The requirement for local access and user interaction limits remote exploitation but insider threats or malware with local execution capabilities could leverage this vulnerability. Unpatched systems in corporate environments, especially those with shared or multi-user access, are at higher risk. The absence of known exploits in the wild currently reduces immediate threat levels but does not eliminate future risk, emphasizing the need for proactive patching and monitoring.

1. Immediately update Intel CSME installer software to version 2328.5.5.0 or later, where the permission issues are corrected. 2. Conduct an audit of local user permissions and access controls on systems with Intel hardware to ensure no excessive privileges are granted unnecessarily. 3. Implement strict local access controls and monitor for unusual privilege escalation attempts or unauthorized user activities. 4. Employ endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools to detect suspicious behavior indicative of privilege escalation. 5. Educate users about the risks of local privilege escalation and enforce least privilege principles to minimize the impact of compromised accounts. 6. Regularly review and harden system configurations, especially on multi-user systems or shared environments. 7. Maintain up-to-date inventories of affected hardware and software versions to prioritize patching efforts. 8. Consider network segmentation to limit the spread of potential local exploits within the organization.