CVE-2018-12212 in Graphics Driver
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow 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 cause a denial of service via local access.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/20/2020
This buffer overflow vulnerability exists within the user mode driver component of Intel Graphics Drivers for Windows systems, representing a critical security weakness that affects multiple driver versions prior to specific patch releases. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and memory management within the graphics driver's user mode execution context, creating an exploitable condition where malicious input can exceed allocated buffer boundaries. The flaw specifically impacts the graphics driver's ability to properly handle user-supplied data during graphics processing operations, potentially allowing attackers to manipulate memory structures through crafted inputs.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a classic buffer overflow condition in the user mode driver component that processes graphics commands and rendering operations. When the driver receives malformed or excessively sized input data through graphics processing interfaces, it fails to properly validate the input length against allocated buffer space, resulting in memory corruption. This condition can be triggered through local access points where unprivileged users can submit graphics-related commands or rendering requests that exceed expected buffer dimensions. The vulnerability falls under CWE-121, which specifically addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions, though the actual implementation likely involves heap-based buffer overflows given the nature of graphics driver operations. The attack surface is particularly concerning as it operates within the graphics driver's user mode execution environment, which typically runs with elevated privileges during graphics processing operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service conditions, as it creates potential pathways for privilege escalation and system instability. Local attackers can exploit this condition to cause system crashes, application failures, and potentially system-wide instability through repeated exploitation of the buffer overflow. The vulnerability affects multiple driver version ranges, indicating a widespread issue across Intel's graphics driver ecosystem, with specific versions including 10.18.x.5059, 10.18.x.5057, 20.19.x.5063, 21.20.x.5064, and 24.20.100.6373. From an adversarial perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which involves exploiting legitimate credentials and privileges to gain system access, as the buffer overflow could potentially be leveraged to escalate privileges or execute arbitrary code within the graphics driver context. The local access requirement means that exploitation is limited to users who already have system access, but this still represents a significant risk in environments where multiple users share systems.
Mitigation strategies should prioritize immediate driver updates to the patched versions that address this buffer overflow condition, as Intel has released specific patches for affected versions. System administrators should implement comprehensive driver update policies and ensure that all graphics drivers are maintained at current security levels. Additional protective measures include implementing application whitelisting to restrict graphics-related applications that might trigger the vulnerability, monitoring system logs for unusual graphics processing patterns, and employing endpoint protection solutions that can detect anomalous graphics driver behavior. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation and memory management in graphics drivers, as well as the critical need for regular security updates in device drivers. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and privilege separation to limit the potential impact of local exploitation, particularly in enterprise environments where multiple users may have access to shared systems. Regular security assessments of graphics driver components and implementation of security hardening practices for graphics processing operations can further reduce the risk exposure associated with this class of vulnerabilities.