CVE-2020-12331
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability in Intel Unite Cloud Service client allows authenticated users with local access to potentially escalate privileges. It affects users running Intel Unite Cloud Service client versions before 4.2.12212. The improper access controls could enable unauthorized privilege elevation.
💻 Affected Systems
- Intel Unite Cloud Service client
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
An authenticated attacker gains administrative privileges on the local system, potentially leading to complete system compromise, data theft, or lateral movement within the network.
Likely Case
Local authenticated users elevate their privileges to perform actions beyond their intended permissions, potentially installing malware, accessing sensitive data, or modifying system configurations.
If Mitigated
With proper access controls and least privilege principles, impact is limited to authorized actions within the user's legitimate permissions.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires authenticated local access and knowledge of the vulnerability. No public exploit code has been disclosed.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 4.2.12212 and later
Vendor Advisory: https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/security-center/advisory/intel-sa-00418
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Download Intel Unite Cloud Service client version 4.2.12212 or later from Intel's official website. 2. Run the installer and follow the upgrade prompts. 3. Restart the system to complete the installation.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict Local Access
allLimit local access to systems running Intel Unite Cloud Service to trusted users only.
Disable Unite Service
windowsTemporarily disable the Intel Unite Cloud Service if not required for operations.
sc stop "Intel Unite Service"
sc config "Intel Unite Service" start= disabled
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict least privilege access controls to limit what authenticated users can do
- Monitor systems for unusual privilege escalation attempts and unauthorized administrative actions
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check the Intel Unite Cloud Service client version in the application's about section or via installed programs list.Check Version:
On Windows: Check 'Programs and Features' or run the Unite client and view 'About'. On macOS: Check the application version in the Info.plist or via the application menu.Verify Fix Applied:
Verify the installed version is 4.2.12212 or higher and that the service is running normally.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unexpected privilege escalation events
- Unauthorized access to administrative functions
- Failed authentication attempts followed by successful privileged actions
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound connections from Unite client
- Anomalous authentication patterns to Unite services
SIEM Query:
source="windows_security" EventCode=4672 AND ProcessName="*unite*" | stats count by User, ProcessName