CVE-2023-27298
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability in Intel's WULT software allows attackers to escalate privileges by exploiting an uncontrolled search path. Unauthenticated users can potentially gain elevated access via network connections. Systems running vulnerable versions of WULT software are affected.
💻 Affected Systems
- Intel WULT (Wake Up Latency Tracker)
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete system compromise with administrative privileges, allowing attackers to install malware, steal sensitive data, or pivot to other systems.
Likely Case
Local privilege escalation enabling attackers to execute arbitrary code with elevated permissions on affected systems.
If Mitigated
Limited impact with proper network segmentation and least privilege principles in place.
🎯 Exploit Status
The advisory indicates unauthenticated network access could lead to privilege escalation.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 1.0.0 or later (commit id 592300b or later)
Vendor Advisory: https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/security-center/advisory/intel-sa-00853.html
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Visit Intel's security advisory page. 2. Download WULT version 1.0.0 or later. 3. Stop WULT service. 4. Install updated version. 5. Restart system to ensure changes take effect.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Network Access Restriction
linuxBlock network access to WULT service using firewall rules
sudo iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport [WULT_PORT] -j DROP
sudo iptables -A INPUT -p udp --dport [WULT_PORT] -j DROP
Service Disablement
linuxTemporarily disable WULT service until patching is possible
sudo systemctl stop wult
sudo systemctl disable wult
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict network segmentation to isolate systems running WULT
- Apply principle of least privilege and monitor for unusual privilege escalation attempts
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check WULT version: 'wult --version' or examine installed package versionCheck Version:
wult --versionVerify Fix Applied:
Confirm version is 1.0.0 or later and check that commit ID is 592300b or newer📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual privilege escalation attempts
- Unexpected network connections to WULT service port
- Failed authentication attempts followed by successful privileged operations
Network Indicators:
- Unexpected network traffic to WULT service ports
- Connection attempts from unauthorized IP addresses
SIEM Query:
source="*wult*" AND (event_type="privilege_escalation" OR event_type="unauthorized_access")