CVE-2020-0518 in HD Graphics Control Panel
Summary
by MITRE • 02/17/2021
Improper access control in the Intel(R) HD Graphics Control Panel before version 15.40.46.5144 and 15.36.39.5143 may allow an authenticated user to potentially enable denial of service via local access.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/02/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-0518 represents a critical access control flaw within Intel's HD Graphics Control Panel software ecosystem. This issue affects specific versions of the graphics control panel software prior to 15.40.46.5144 and 15.36.39.5143, creating a potential pathway for authenticated users to exploit system resources in ways that could disrupt normal operations. The flaw resides in the software's authorization mechanisms, where proper validation of user permissions fails to adequately restrict access to critical system functions. This vulnerability operates under the broader category of improper access control issues, which are classified as CWE-285 within the Common Weakness Enumeration framework, highlighting the fundamental failure in authentication and authorization processes.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of user privileges within the graphics control panel interface. When an authenticated user accesses the system, the software fails to properly enforce access restrictions that should prevent unauthorized manipulation of graphics settings and system resources. This misconfiguration allows a malicious user with legitimate login credentials to potentially execute denial of service attacks by manipulating graphics control parameters that can affect system stability and performance. The local access requirement means that exploitation cannot occur remotely, but it does allow for privilege escalation within the local system environment, making it particularly dangerous in multi-user or shared computing environments where users may have legitimate access to the system.
The operational impact of CVE-2020-0518 extends beyond simple service disruption to potentially compromise the overall stability and reliability of systems running affected Intel graphics control panel versions. A successful exploitation could result in complete system denial of service, forcing users to reboot systems or reinstall graphics drivers to restore normal functionality. This vulnerability particularly affects enterprise environments where Intel HD Graphics is widely deployed, as it creates opportunities for both accidental and intentional disruption of computing resources. The attack surface is further expanded by the fact that many users may not be aware of the potential for such exploitation, making the vulnerability more difficult to detect and prevent. Organizations using Intel graphics solutions in mission-critical environments face significant risk from this flaw, as it could lead to productivity loss and potential data access issues.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-0518 primarily focus on software updates and access control improvements. The most effective solution involves upgrading to Intel HD Graphics Control Panel versions 15.40.46.5144 or 15.36.39.5143, which contain the necessary patches to address the access control weakness. System administrators should prioritize patch management procedures to ensure all affected systems receive the updates promptly. Additional defensive measures include implementing strict user access controls, monitoring for unusual graphics control panel activity, and maintaining regular security assessments of graphics software components. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper privilege separation in system components and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which covers exploiting vulnerabilities in legitimate programs. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and access control lists to limit local access to systems running affected software, reducing the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts.