CVE-2020-0513 in Graphics Drivers
Summary
by MITRE
Out of bounds write for some Intel(R) Graphics Drivers before version 15.33.50.5129 may allow an authenticated user to potentially enable escalation of privilege via local access.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/13/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-0513 represents a critical out-of-bounds write flaw affecting Intel Graphics Drivers prior to version 15.33.50.5129. This issue manifests within the graphics driver subsystem where improper input validation allows malicious code to write data beyond the boundaries of allocated memory buffers. The vulnerability specifically impacts systems utilizing Intel graphics hardware and requires local authentication to exploit, making it a local privilege escalation vector rather than a remote attack surface.
Technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of graphics driver APIs and kernel components that handle graphics processing commands. The out-of-bounds write condition arises when the driver fails to properly validate buffer sizes and memory boundaries during graphics rendering operations. This flaw can be leveraged by an authenticated user to overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially corrupting critical driver structures or kernel memory regions. The vulnerability falls under the CWE-787 category of out-of-bounds write conditions, which directly relates to improper validation of buffer boundaries and memory management within kernel-level components.
The operational impact of CVE-2020-0513 extends beyond simple privilege escalation to potentially enable more sophisticated attack vectors. An attacker with local access can exploit this vulnerability to gain elevated privileges within the graphics subsystem, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The attack surface is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where graphics drivers are frequently updated and where users may have local access to systems. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper memory management in graphics driver code and highlights the risks associated with insufficient bounds checking in kernel components.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of affected Intel graphics drivers to version 15.33.50.5129 or later, which incorporates proper bounds checking and memory validation mechanisms. System administrators should implement strict access controls to limit local user privileges and monitor for suspicious graphics driver activity. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which covers local privilege escalation, and specifically maps to the use of kernel exploits to gain elevated system privileges. Organizations should also consider implementing endpoint detection and response solutions that can identify anomalous graphics driver behavior and memory corruption patterns. Regular vulnerability assessments and driver update policies are essential to prevent exploitation of similar memory safety issues in graphics subsystems.