Maxim Goryachy

Positive Technologies researchers Maxim Goryachy and Mark Ermolov have discovered a vulnerability that allows running unsigned code. The vulnerability can be used to activate JTAG debugging for the Intel Management Engine processor core. When combined with DCI, this allows debugging ME via USB.

Intel Management Engine is a proprietary technology that consists of a microcontroller integrated into the Platform Controller Hub (PCH) microchip with a set of built-in peripherals. The PCH carries communication between the processor and external devices; therefore, Intel ME has access to some critical data on the computer, and the ability to execute third-party code allows compromising the platform completely. Researchers have been long interested in such capabilities, but recently we have seen a surge of interest in Intel ME. Intel provides its engineers with the ability to perform ME debugging via JTAG, in addition to allowing third-party developers to debug ISH via DCI (as previously discussed by us at 33с3). Anyone could use the vulnerability we have found to activate JTAG debugging for ME. In our presentation, we will describe the built-in ME debugging mechanism and how to activate it with the help of this vulnerability.

Other people: Mark Ermolov

Engaging universally available deep debug functionality of modern Intel cores, with zero software or hardware modifications required on the target side.

Our research team at Positive Technologies has discovered a way to engage the advanced debug machinery on modern Intel cores. This advanced machinery can be employed to exercise deep control of the running system across all execution modes using merely a USB port connection, with zero software or hardware modifications required on the target side. It goes without saying that such functionality carries profound security implications.

Other people: Mark Ermolov