CVE-2018-12209 in Graphics Driver
Summary
by MITRE
Insufficient access control in User Mode Driver in Intel(R) Graphics Driver for Windows* before versions 10.18.x.5059 (aka 15.33.x.5059), 10.18.x.5057 (aka 15.36.x.5057), 20.19.x.5063 (aka 15.40.x.5063) 21.20.x.5064 (aka 15.45.x.5064) and 24.20.100.6373 potentially enables an unprivileged user to read device configuration information via local access.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/20/2020
This vulnerability represents a critical insufficient access control flaw within the user mode driver component of Intel Graphics Drivers for Windows operating systems. The vulnerability affects multiple versions of Intel graphics drivers including 10.18.x series, 20.19.x series, 21.20.x series, and 24.20.100.6373, with specific affected releases being 10.18.x.5059, 10.18.x.5057, 20.19.x.5063, 21.20.x.5064, and 24.20.100.6373. The flaw resides in the user mode driver implementation which governs how graphics hardware interacts with the operating system at the user level, creating a pathway for privilege escalation attacks. This issue stems from inadequate permission controls that allow unauthorized local access to sensitive device configuration information.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-284 which describes improper access control mechanisms, specifically focusing on insufficient checks for user privileges within driver components. The flaw enables an unprivileged local user to bypass normal security boundaries and access device configuration data that should typically be restricted to privileged processes or administrators. This represents a significant weakening of the operating system's security model, as device configuration information often contains sensitive details about hardware capabilities, memory mappings, and system resources that could be exploited for further attacks. The user mode driver operates in a context that should maintain strict privilege separation, yet this vulnerability creates an avenue for information disclosure that undermines fundamental security principles.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates a serious risk for systems running affected Intel graphics drivers, as it allows local attackers to gain access to device-specific configuration details that could be leveraged in subsequent exploitation attempts. The attack vector requires local system access, making it less severe than remote exploits, but still highly concerning given that any local user could potentially exploit this weakness. The information disclosure could enable attackers to gather intelligence about hardware capabilities, memory layouts, and device states that might be useful for crafting more sophisticated attacks or for identifying system-specific vulnerabilities. This vulnerability particularly impacts enterprise environments where local access might be more readily available, and where the disclosure of device configuration information could facilitate privilege escalation or other advanced persistent threat activities.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate driver updates to versions that address this access control weakness, with administrators prioritizing deployment of Intel graphics drivers that have been patched against this vulnerability. The remediation aligns with standard security practices outlined in the ATT&CK framework under privilege escalation techniques where insufficient access control represents a common method for attackers to gain unauthorized access to system resources. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management processes to ensure all affected systems receive updates promptly, as the vulnerability exists in multiple driver versions across different release streams. Additionally, system administrators should consider implementing additional monitoring for suspicious access patterns to device configuration information, as this vulnerability could potentially be combined with other weaknesses to create more serious security impacts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining strict access controls within driver components and demonstrates how seemingly minor access control issues can create significant security risks in operating system security models.