CVE-2018-12152 in Graphics Drivers
Summary
by MITRE
Pointer corruption in Unified Shader Compiler in Intel Graphics Drivers before 10.18.x.5056 (aka 15.33.x.5056), 10.18.x.5057 (aka 15.36.x.5057) and 20.19.x.5058 (aka 15.40.x.5058) may allow an unauthenticated remote user to potentially execute arbitrary WebGL code via local access.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/01/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-12152 represents a critical pointer corruption flaw within the Unified Shader Compiler component of Intel Graphics Drivers affecting multiple version ranges including 10.18.x series up to 5056, 10.18.x series up to 5057, and 20.19.x series up to 5058. This vulnerability exists within the graphics driver stack that processes WebGL rendering commands, creating a potential attack surface that could be exploited by malicious actors. The flaw specifically impacts the shader compilation process where pointer corruption occurs during the Unified Shader Compiler execution, which is a fundamental component responsible for translating shader code into executable graphics operations. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it allows an unauthenticated remote user to potentially execute arbitrary WebGL code with local access privileges, indicating a sophisticated attack vector that could bypass traditional security boundaries.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper memory management within the Unified Shader Compiler module where pointer corruption occurs during shader compilation. This type of flaw typically manifests when the compiler fails to properly validate or sanitize memory pointers used during the shader processing pipeline, leading to potential memory corruption that could be exploited to redirect execution flow. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-121 as "Stack-based Buffer Overflow" and potentially CWE-787 as "Out-of-bounds Write" since the pointer corruption could result in memory corruption that allows arbitrary code execution. The attack vector requires local access to the system, which means an attacker must already have access to the target machine or be able to execute code in a context where WebGL rendering occurs, such as through web browsers that utilize Intel graphics acceleration. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where users might be tricked into visiting malicious websites or where privilege escalation occurs through legitimate user activities.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-12152 extends beyond simple code execution as it fundamentally compromises the graphics rendering pipeline that many applications depend upon for visual processing. WebGL applications, which are commonly used in web browsers for 3D graphics rendering, would be particularly vulnerable since they rely heavily on GPU acceleration through Intel graphics drivers. The ability to execute arbitrary WebGL code through this vulnerability could enable attackers to perform a wide range of malicious activities including data exfiltration, system reconnaissance, or even privilege escalation within the graphics processing context. The vulnerability's impact is further amplified by the widespread use of Intel graphics hardware in both consumer and enterprise environments, making it a potentially scalable threat across numerous systems. Additionally, the vulnerability's presence in multiple driver versions suggests a systemic issue within the Unified Shader Compiler implementation that could affect various Intel graphics platforms and operating system configurations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-12152 primarily focus on updating to patched versions of Intel Graphics Drivers where the pointer corruption issue has been addressed through improved memory management and validation routines. Organizations should prioritize immediate patch deployment across all affected systems, particularly those running Intel graphics hardware with the vulnerable driver versions mentioned in the CVE description. The mitigation approach aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which involves exploiting privileges and T1059 which covers command and scripting interpreters, as the vulnerability could be leveraged for privilege escalation or code execution within the graphics rendering context. Security administrators should also consider implementing additional monitoring for suspicious WebGL activity or unusual graphics processing patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Network segmentation and access control measures can help limit the potential impact if exploitation occurs, while application whitelisting and browser security enhancements can reduce the attack surface for potential exploitation. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date graphics drivers and implementing comprehensive security monitoring for graphics processing components, as these systems often operate with elevated privileges and can serve as entry points for broader system compromise.