CVE-2018-12216 in Graphics Driver
Summary
by MITRE
Insufficient input validation in Kernel 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 a privileged user to execute arbitrary code via local access via local access.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/20/2020
This vulnerability resides within the kernel mode driver component of Intel's graphics driver for windows systems, representing a critical security flaw that allows privilege escalation through insufficient input validation mechanisms. The affected driver versions operate at the highest privilege level within the operating system, making them prime targets for exploitation. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the driver fails to properly validate input parameters received from user-mode applications, creating a pathway for malicious code execution with kernel-level privileges.
The technical flaw stems from inadequate parameter validation within the graphics driver's kernel mode components, which process graphics-related commands and data structures from user applications. When legitimate applications submit graphics operations to the driver, the kernel mode component should validate all input parameters to ensure they meet expected formats and constraints. However, this validation process contains gaps that allow malformed or unexpected input to bypass security checks, potentially leading to memory corruption and arbitrary code execution. This type of vulnerability directly maps to CWE-129 Input Validation and CWE-125 Out-of-bounds Read, both of which are fundamental weaknesses in software security design.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it enables a locally authenticated user to escalate privileges from standard user level to kernel level execution. Attackers can leverage this weakness by crafting malicious graphics operations or graphics data that, when processed by the vulnerable driver, trigger the validation bypass. Once successful, the attacker gains complete system control, potentially allowing them to install malware, modify system files, or establish persistent backdoors. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires only local access and user authentication, making it exploitable in scenarios where an attacker already has a foothold on the system. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, Privilege Escalation through exploitation of kernel-mode vulnerabilities, and T1059, Command and Scripting Interpreter, as attackers can execute arbitrary code with system-level privileges.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily involve updating to patched versions of the Intel graphics driver, specifically those versions that address the input validation issues in the kernel mode driver components. System administrators should implement strict patch management policies to ensure all affected systems receive updates promptly. Additionally, implementing security controls such as kernel mode code integrity checking, driver signature enforcement, and restricted user privileges can help limit the attack surface. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of secure coding practices in kernel mode components, emphasizing the need for comprehensive input validation, bounds checking, and proper error handling in system-level software. Organizations should also consider monitoring for suspicious graphics driver activity and implementing application whitelisting policies to prevent exploitation of such vulnerabilities.