CVE-2019-0115 in Graphics Driver
Summary
by MITRE
Insufficient input validation in KMD module for Intel(R) Graphics Driver before version 10.18.14.5067 (aka 15.36.x.5067) and 10.18.10.5069 (aka 15.33.x.5069) may allow an authenticated user to potentially enable denial of service via local access.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/21/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-0115 resides within the Kernel Mode Driver (KMD) module of Intel's graphics driver ecosystem, specifically affecting versions prior to 10.18.14.5067 and 10.18.10.5069. This issue represents a critical weakness in the driver's input validation mechanisms that operates at the kernel level, where graphics processing unit operations interface directly with the operating system's core functions. The vulnerability manifests when the KMD module fails to adequately validate input parameters received from user-space applications, creating a pathway for malicious or malformed input to propagate into the privileged driver context. The affected driver versions operate under the Intel Graphics Driver family 15.36.x and 15.33.x series, which are commonly deployed in enterprise and consumer environments where graphics performance and stability are paramount.
The technical flaw stems from inadequate boundary checking and input sanitization within the kernel mode driver's processing routines. When user applications submit graphics-related commands or data structures to the Intel graphics driver, these inputs are processed through kernel-level functions that should validate all received parameters before execution. However, the vulnerability allows maliciously crafted input to bypass these validation checks, potentially causing the driver to execute malformed operations or access invalid memory locations. This weakness is particularly concerning because kernel mode drivers operate with the highest privilege level, meaning any exploitation of this vulnerability could result in system instability or complete system crashes. The flaw specifically impacts the graphics subsystem's ability to handle malformed commands or buffer operations, creating a potential denial of service condition that affects the entire graphics processing pipeline.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability enables an authenticated user to potentially cause system-wide denial of service by exploiting the insufficient input validation in the KMD module. The attack requires local system access and user authentication, which reduces the attack surface but does not eliminate the risk entirely since local users often possess elevated privileges or can escalate their access through other means. When exploited, the vulnerability can cause the graphics driver to crash or become unresponsive, resulting in screen freezes, application failures, or complete system hangs. In enterprise environments where graphics drivers are critical for productivity applications, this denial of service condition can significantly impact business operations and user productivity. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple system crashes, as it can potentially destabilize the entire graphics subsystem, forcing system reboots or requiring manual driver reinstallation to restore normal functionality.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-0115 primarily focus on updating to patched driver versions that address the insufficient input validation issues in the KMD module. System administrators should prioritize deployment of Intel graphics driver versions 10.18.14.5067 or later, which contain the necessary fixes to validate input parameters properly before processing. Additionally, implementing network segmentation and access controls can limit the potential impact of local exploitation by restricting user access to systems running affected graphics drivers. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual graphics driver behavior or frequent crashes that may indicate exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing privilege separation mechanisms and user access controls to minimize the potential for local users to exploit this vulnerability. The remediation aligns with industry best practices for kernel-level vulnerability management and follows the principle of least privilege, ensuring that even authenticated users cannot leverage this flaw to cause system-wide disruption. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of robust input validation in kernel mode drivers and highlights the potential for seemingly minor validation gaps to result in significant system stability issues, as classified under CWE-20 for improper input validation and potentially mapped to ATT&CK techniques involving privilege escalation and system stability compromise.