CVE-2019-14591 in Graphics Driver
Summary
by MITRE
Improper input validation in the API for Intel(R) Graphics Driver versions before 26.20.100.7209 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-2019-14591 resides within the application programming interface of Intel(R) Graphics Driver software, specifically affecting versions prior to 26.20.100.7209. This issue represents a critical weakness in input validation mechanisms that govern how the graphics driver processes external commands and data through its API interface. The flaw manifests as insufficient sanitization of user-supplied inputs, creating potential pathways for malicious manipulation of the graphics processing unit's operational parameters.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an authenticated user with local system access attempts to submit malformed or unexpected input parameters through the graphics driver's API endpoints. This improper validation allows attackers to craft specific input sequences that can cause the graphics driver service to behave unexpectedly, potentially leading to system instability or complete service termination. The vulnerability specifically targets the driver's API layer where it handles various graphics-related commands and configuration parameters, making it particularly dangerous in environments where graphics functionality is heavily utilized.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risk for systems running affected Intel graphics drivers since authenticated local access is sufficient to exploit the flaw. The potential for denial of service means that legitimate users may experience system crashes, display corruption, or complete graphics functionality failure that could impact productivity and user experience. The local access requirement limits the attack surface compared to remote exploits, but the impact remains severe as it affects core system graphics capabilities that many applications depend upon for proper operation. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-20, which describes improper input validation as a fundamental weakness in software security design.
The implications extend beyond simple service disruption as this vulnerability could potentially be leveraged as a stepping stone for more sophisticated attacks. Attackers might use the denial of service capability to create conditions that facilitate privilege escalation or to establish persistent access points within the system. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under privilege escalation and denial of service techniques, where the initial access through authenticated local presence enables further compromise of system integrity. Organizations running affected graphics drivers face elevated risk of system availability issues that could impact business operations, particularly in environments where graphics performance is critical for applications such as CAD software, video editing tools, or gaming platforms.
Mitigation strategies should prioritize immediate patch deployment to update Intel graphics drivers to version 26.20.100.7209 or later, which contains the necessary input validation fixes. System administrators should also implement additional security controls including restricted local access permissions, monitoring for unusual API activity patterns, and regular security assessments of graphics driver configurations. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date system components and highlights the need for comprehensive security testing of driver software, particularly in enterprise environments where graphics functionality is extensively utilized. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit local system access where possible, reducing the attack surface for such local privilege escalation vulnerabilities.