CVE-2019-0116 in Graphics Driver
Summary
by MITRE
An out of bound read 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 a privileged 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-2019-0116 represents a critical out-of-bounds read condition within the Kernel Mode Driver (KMD) module of Intel's graphics driver ecosystem. This flaw exists in versions prior to 10.18.14.5067 and 10.18.10.5069, specifically affecting the 15.36.x.5067 and 15.33.x.5069 release branches. The issue manifests as a memory access violation where the driver fails to properly validate array indices or buffer boundaries during kernel-level graphics processing operations. Such vulnerabilities in graphics drivers are particularly concerning because they operate with elevated privileges and can be exploited by malicious actors with local access to the system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the KMD module's memory management routines. When processing graphics commands or rendering operations, the driver performs operations that reference memory locations beyond the allocated buffer boundaries. This condition can occur during the handling of specific graphics rendering contexts or when processing certain GPU commands that involve indexed memory access patterns. The out-of-bounds read allows an attacker to potentially access uninitialized memory regions, which could contain sensitive data or system information. According to CWE classification, this vulnerability maps to CWE-129: Improper Validation of Array Index, which specifically addresses the failure to validate array indices before use. The vulnerability's impact is further amplified by the fact that it operates at kernel level, where privilege escalation is not required to trigger the condition.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates a significant risk for systems running affected Intel graphics drivers, particularly in enterprise environments where local access might be more prevalent. A privileged local user could exploit this condition to cause a system crash or reboot, effectively implementing a denial of service attack against the target system. The attack vector requires local system access, but the potential impact extends beyond simple service disruption. In some cases, the out-of-bounds read could potentially expose kernel memory contents, leading to information disclosure vulnerabilities that might reveal system state or sensitive data structures. The vulnerability's exploitation capability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068: Exploitation for Privilege Escalation, though the initial access requirement limits its scope compared to more sophisticated attack chains.
The mitigation strategy for CVE-2019-0116 involves immediate deployment of updated Intel graphics drivers that address the out-of-bounds read condition in the KMD module. System administrators should prioritize patching affected systems, particularly those running the vulnerable 15.33.x and 15.36.x driver versions. Additionally, implementing monitoring for abnormal system crashes or restarts can help detect exploitation attempts. Security teams should consider restricting local user access to systems where graphics processing is not essential, reducing the attack surface for potential exploitation. The fix implemented by Intel likely involves proper bounds checking and validation of array indices within the KMD module, ensuring that all memory access operations remain within allocated buffer boundaries. Organizations should also conduct vulnerability assessments to identify all systems running affected graphics driver versions and prioritize remediation efforts based on risk exposure and system criticality.