Intel ME Manufacturing Mode: obscured dangers and MacBook vulnerability

Re:Intel ME Manufacturing Mode: obscured dangers and MacBook... by mrweasel on Wednesday October 03, 2018 @05:06AM (#18128665)

Is the Intel ME that great? I mean I never heard anyone say that they actually use it. The explanation of its capabilities make it seem like a great tool for fleet management, yet nobody seems to be using it.

With other alternatives available, combined with low usage, I’m not sure that neither Intels ME nor AMDs PSP needs to be embedded in every CPU.

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Re:Intel ME Manufacturing Mode: obscured dangers and MacBook... by turblety on Wednesday October 03, 2018 @05:40AM (#18128787)

I think the specific part you're referring to is Intel AMT (Active Management Technology) which allows the user to remote control into their computer. AMT is a module that runs within the Intel ME operating system.

Intel ME does a lot of things, like the below (we think, no one really knows for sure):

    - Active Management Technology (AMT)
    - Alert Standard Format (ASF)
    - Intel Boot Guard (IBG)
    - Secure Boot
    - Integrated Clock Controller (ICC)
    - Quiet System Technology (QST) / Advanced Fan Speed Control (AFSC)
    - Protected Audio Video Path (used in PlayReady DRM)
    - Intel Security Assist (ISA)
    - Serial over LAN (SOL)
    - Firmware-based Trusted Platform Module (TPM)

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intel_Management_Engine

I think there is also some power management functionality in there too.

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