CVE-2019-11089 in Graphics Driver
Summary
by MITRE
Insufficient input validation in Kernel Mode module for Intel(R) Graphics Driver before version 25.20.100.6519 may allow an authenticated user to potentially enable denial of service via local access.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/14/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-11089 resides within the kernel mode component of Intel's graphics driver ecosystem, specifically affecting versions prior to 25.20.100.6519. This flaw represents a critical security gap that manifests through inadequate input validation mechanisms within the graphics driver's kernel mode module. The vulnerability's classification as a denial of service issue indicates that an attacker with local access and authenticated privileges can exploit this weakness to disrupt system operations. The kernel mode execution context of this flaw means that the vulnerability operates at the most privileged level of the operating system, potentially allowing for severe system instability or complete system hang conditions. The insufficient input validation specifically suggests that the driver fails to properly sanitize or verify data inputs received from user-space applications or system components before processing them in kernel memory space. This type of vulnerability commonly arises when developers assume that inputs from trusted sources will always conform to expected formats and ranges, leading to buffer overflows, memory corruption, or other exploitable conditions that can be leveraged to crash system processes or entire operating systems.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service conditions to potentially compromise system integrity and availability. When an authenticated user can trigger kernel-level instability, the implications are severe as it allows for arbitrary system disruption without requiring elevated privileges beyond local authentication. The vulnerability's exploitation typically involves sending malformed or unexpected data to the graphics driver through legitimate system interfaces, which then processes this invalid input without proper validation checks. This behavior creates an attack surface where malicious applications or compromised user accounts can leverage the graphics driver's kernel mode execution to cause system-wide disruptions. The flaw's presence in graphics drivers is particularly concerning because these components are frequently accessed and often run with high privileges, making them attractive targets for attackers seeking to escalate privileges or create persistent system instability. According to CWE classification, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-20, which describes improper input validation, and potentially CWE-121, buffer overflow conditions, as the root cause involves insufficient validation of data that flows into kernel memory regions. The ATT&CK framework would categorize this as a privilege escalation or denial of service technique, specifically under the T1499 category for network denial of service or T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation, depending on the specific exploitation method employed.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-11089 focus primarily on immediate driver version updates to the patched release 25.20.100.6519 or later, which incorporates proper input validation mechanisms within the kernel mode graphics driver module. System administrators should prioritize patch deployment across all affected systems, particularly those running Intel graphics hardware in enterprise environments where local authentication is possible. Additional protective measures include implementing strict user access controls to limit local authentication opportunities, monitoring for unusual graphics driver behavior, and applying system hardening practices that reduce the attack surface available to local users. Organizations should also consider implementing runtime monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous kernel mode activity patterns associated with buffer overflow conditions or memory corruption attempts. The vulnerability's nature suggests that regular driver updates and patch management programs are essential for maintaining system security, as graphics drivers often contain complex kernel mode code that requires specialized testing and validation before deployment. Network segmentation and access control policies can help reduce the potential impact by limiting local access points where authenticated users might exploit this vulnerability. Security teams should also conduct regular vulnerability assessments targeting graphics driver components, as these often represent overlooked areas in security audits and penetration testing exercises. The remediation process must account for potential compatibility issues with older applications or operating system versions that may not support the updated driver versions, requiring careful planning and testing before full deployment across enterprise environments.