CVE-2018-12220 in Graphics Driver
Summary
by MITRE
Logic bug in Kernel Mode Driver in Intel(R) Graphics Driver for Windows* before versions 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.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/21/2020
This vulnerability represents a critical logic flaw within the kernel mode driver component of Intel's graphics driver for windows operating systems. The issue affects multiple versions of the graphics driver including 10.18.x series with specific build numbers 5059 and 5057, 20.19.x series with build 5063, 21.20.x series with build 5064, and 24.20.100.6373. The vulnerability stems from improper validation mechanisms within the kernel mode driver that handles graphics processing operations. According to the Common Weakness Enumeration standard, this flaw aligns with CWE-252, which describes an inadequate or missing validation of a condition that should have been checked, potentially leading to unexpected behavior in security-critical components. The vulnerability exists in the graphics driver's kernel mode component, which operates with elevated privileges and has direct access to system memory and hardware resources, making it particularly dangerous for privilege escalation attacks.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires a local authenticated user with sufficient privileges to interact with the graphics driver interface. The logic bug creates a condition where the driver fails to properly validate input parameters or state transitions during graphics processing operations. This validation failure can be leveraged by an attacker to manipulate the driver's execution flow, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution within the kernel context. The attack vector is local, meaning the attacker must already have a valid login session on the target system, but the privilege escalation aspect means that even a standard user account could potentially gain elevated privileges through this flaw. The kernel mode driver's nature means that successful exploitation would allow execution of malicious code with the highest system privileges, potentially enabling complete system compromise. This aligns with the attack pattern described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under T1068, which covers privilege escalation techniques through kernel exploits, and T1059, which covers execution through command and scripting interpreters.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it affects a core system component that is integral to graphics processing and display functionality. The affected driver versions are widely deployed across enterprise and consumer environments, making the potential attack surface extensive. When exploited, the vulnerability could allow attackers to bypass traditional security controls, access sensitive system resources, and potentially establish persistent backdoors. The fact that this affects graphics drivers means that the vulnerability could be exploited through legitimate graphics processing activities, making detection more challenging. Organizations using Intel graphics hardware with affected driver versions face significant risk, as the vulnerability could be exploited to gain access to confidential data, manipulate system operations, or serve as a foothold for further attacks within a network. The impact is particularly severe in enterprise environments where graphics processing is heavily utilized for CAD, video editing, and other high-performance computing tasks.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate driver updates from Intel, which address the specific logic validation issues in the kernel mode components. System administrators should prioritize deployment of the patched versions, specifically targeting the 10.18.x.5059, 10.18.x.5057, 20.19.x.5063, 21.20.x.5064, and 24.20.100.6373 versions mentioned in the advisory. Additional protective measures include implementing least privilege principles for user accounts, monitoring for unusual graphics processing activities, and deploying endpoint protection solutions that can detect anomalous kernel mode behavior. Network segmentation and access controls should be reinforced to limit potential lateral movement if exploitation occurs. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of regular driver updates and security assessments, particularly for critical system components like graphics drivers that operate with elevated privileges. Organizations should also consider implementing runtime monitoring for kernel mode activities and establishing incident response procedures specifically addressing kernel-level exploits. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical need for robust security testing of kernel mode drivers and proper input validation mechanisms to prevent logic flaws that could enable privilege escalation attacks.