CVE-2018-12217 in Graphics Driver
Summary
by MITRE
Insufficient access control 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 read device configuration information via local access.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/21/2020
This vulnerability resides within the kernel mode driver component of Intel Graphics Drivers for Windows systems, representing a critical access control flaw that undermines system security boundaries. The vulnerability affects specific versions of Intel graphics drivers where insufficient access control mechanisms allow local privileged users to bypass normal security restrictions and access device configuration information. This represents a significant escalation from standard user privileges to potentially elevated system-level access, as the flaw exists at the kernel level where the driver operates with the highest privilege level.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper validation of access permissions within the graphics driver's kernel mode component. When a local user with sufficient privileges attempts to access device configuration information, the driver fails to properly enforce access control policies that should restrict such access to authorized system components only. This allows malicious or compromised local accounts to extract sensitive device configuration data that could reveal system architecture details, driver versions, and potentially other confidential information. The vulnerability operates through direct memory access mechanisms within the kernel driver, bypassing standard user-mode security checks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as device configuration information can serve as critical intelligence for attackers planning more sophisticated attacks. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could gather detailed information about the graphics hardware configuration, driver versions, and potentially identify other vulnerabilities that might exist within the system. This information could be leveraged to craft targeted attacks against specific graphics driver versions or hardware configurations. The local access requirement means that exploitation typically requires an attacker to already have user-level access to the system, but the privilege escalation aspect makes the impact more severe.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability center around immediate driver updates and system hardening measures. Organizations should prioritize updating to Intel graphics driver versions that address this specific access control flaw, specifically targeting versions 10.18.x.5059 (15.33.x.5059), 10.18.x.5057 (15.36.x.5057), 20.19.x.5063 (15.40.x.5063), 21.20.x.5064 (15.45.x.5064), and 24.20.100.6373. Additionally, implementing least privilege principles and monitoring for unauthorized access attempts to graphics driver components can help detect potential exploitation attempts. System administrators should also consider implementing additional security controls such as driver signature enforcement and monitoring for suspicious kernel-mode activity. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-284 Access Control Issues and could potentially be leveraged as part of broader attack chains in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the privilege escalation and credential access domains.
The vulnerability demonstrates how graphics driver components can serve as attack vectors for privilege escalation attacks, particularly in enterprise environments where graphics drivers are commonly deployed. The kernel mode execution context makes this particularly dangerous as it operates outside normal user-mode security boundaries, allowing access to system resources that should be restricted. Organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify systems running affected driver versions and implement proper patch management procedures to ensure all graphics drivers remain current with security updates. Regular security monitoring and access control reviews should also be implemented to detect potential exploitation attempts.