CVE-2020-0544 in Graphics Drivers
Summary
by MITRE • 02/17/2021
Insufficient control flow management in the kernel mode driver for some Intel(R) Graphics Drivers before version 15.36.39.5145 may allow an authenticated user to potentially enable escalation of privilege via local access.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/02/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-0544 represents a critical control flow management weakness within the kernel mode driver component of Intel graphics drivers. This flaw affects systems running Intel graphics hardware and specifically targets the kernel mode driver responsible for managing graphics processing operations at the system level. The vulnerability exists in versions of Intel graphics drivers prior to 15.36.39.5145, indicating a widespread exposure across multiple driver releases that were commonly deployed in enterprise and consumer environments.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from inadequate control flow management mechanisms within the kernel mode driver implementation. Control flow management refers to the systematic handling of program execution paths and the prevention of unauthorized execution flows that could lead to privilege escalation. In this case, the driver fails to properly validate or control the execution paths that could be manipulated by an authenticated user, creating a potential attack vector that allows privilege elevation. The vulnerability specifically manifests when an authenticated user accesses the system locally, suggesting that network-based exploitation is not feasible, but local access provides sufficient opportunity for exploitation.
The operational impact of CVE-2020-0544 extends beyond simple privilege escalation capabilities. This vulnerability creates a persistent security risk that could be leveraged by malicious actors who have already gained local access to a system. Once exploited, the vulnerability allows an attacker to elevate their privileges from standard user level to kernel level access, providing complete control over the system. This elevated privilege level enables attackers to bypass security controls, access protected system resources, modify critical system files, and potentially establish persistent backdoors. The implications are particularly severe in enterprise environments where multiple users may have local access to systems, and where the graphics driver is frequently used for rendering operations.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-697, which describes "Incorrect Comparison" and specifically relates to control flow management failures in kernel mode drivers. From an attacker perspective, this vulnerability maps to several ATT&CK techniques including privilege escalation through kernel exploits, specifically T1068 and T1543. The exploitation requires local authentication, which means that the attack vector is typically limited to users who already have some level of access to the system, but this access can be leveraged to achieve more dangerous system-level privileges. The impact is particularly concerning because graphics drivers are often running with elevated privileges and are integral to system operations, making them attractive targets for exploitation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-0544 primarily focus on updating to the patched version of Intel graphics drivers, specifically version 15.36.39.5145 or later. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management processes to ensure all systems receive the necessary updates promptly. Additionally, system administrators should consider implementing additional security controls such as restricting local access to systems, monitoring for suspicious privilege escalation attempts, and maintaining updated security software that can detect exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of kernel mode driver security testing and the need for robust code review processes that specifically address control flow management and privilege handling mechanisms.