CVE-2018-18089 in Graphics Driver
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple out of bounds read in igdkm64.sys 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 may allow an authenticated user to potentially enable information disclosure via local access.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/21/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-18089 represents a critical security flaw within Intel's graphics driver component igdkm64.sys affecting multiple versions of Intel Graphics Drivers for Windows operating systems. This issue manifests as multiple out-of-bounds read conditions that occur within the kernel-mode driver responsible for managing Intel graphics hardware acceleration. The affected driver versions span across several release branches including 10.18.x series, 20.19.x series, 21.20.x series, and 24.20.100.6373, indicating a widespread impact across Intel's graphics driver ecosystem. The vulnerability specifically affects systems running Windows operating environments where Intel graphics drivers are installed, creating potential attack vectors through local access mechanisms.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper bounds checking within the igdkm64.sys driver module, which operates at kernel level and handles graphics processing commands from user applications. When processing certain graphics-related requests or commands, the driver fails to validate array indices or buffer boundaries before accessing memory locations, resulting in out-of-bounds memory reads. These memory access violations occur during normal graphics processing operations and can be triggered by authenticated users who have local access to the system. The root cause aligns with CWE-129, which describes improper validation of array indices, and CWE-787, which covers out-of-bounds write operations that can lead to information disclosure. The flaw essentially allows an attacker to read memory contents that should remain protected, potentially exposing sensitive data including cryptographic keys, system credentials, or other confidential information stored in adjacent memory regions.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risks for systems where local authentication is possible, as it enables information disclosure attacks that could lead to privilege escalation or data compromise. The authenticated local access requirement means that an attacker must first establish a valid user session on the target system, but once achieved, the vulnerability can be exploited to extract sensitive information from kernel memory spaces. The impact extends beyond simple information disclosure as the leaked memory contents could contain pointers, stack values, or other system information that could aid in further exploitation attempts. This vulnerability particularly affects enterprise environments where Intel graphics drivers are widely deployed, potentially exposing critical infrastructure components to data leakage attacks. The nature of kernel-mode vulnerabilities means that successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise, making this issue particularly concerning for security-conscious organizations. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability as part of a broader attack chain, potentially using the leaked information to bypass security controls or identify additional system weaknesses.
The mitigation strategy for CVE-2018-18089 requires immediate deployment of updated Intel graphics drivers that address the out-of-bounds read conditions in igdkm64.sys. System administrators should prioritize updating to Intel Graphics Driver versions 10.18.x.5059, 10.18.x.5057, 20.19.x.5063, 21.20.x.5064, and 24.20.100.6373 or newer releases that contain the necessary patches. Organizations should implement a comprehensive patch management process to ensure all affected systems receive updates promptly, as the vulnerability exists in multiple driver versions across different release series. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect potential exploitation attempts through unusual memory access patterns or local system activity that might indicate exploitation of this vulnerability. Additionally, system hardening measures including restricting local user access where possible and implementing least privilege principles can help reduce the attack surface for this specific vulnerability. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1068, which covers "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation," and T1005, which covers "Data from Local System," making it relevant for organizations implementing threat hunting and incident response procedures. Organizations should also consider implementing memory protection mechanisms such as kernel address space layout randomization and data execution prevention to further mitigate potential exploitation risks associated with this kernel-mode vulnerability.