CVE-2020-12307 in High Definition Audio Driver
Summary
by MITRE • 11/12/2020
Improper permissions in some Intel(R) High Definition Audio drivers before version 9.21.00.4561 may allow an authenticated user to potentially enable escalation of privilege via local access.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/06/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-12307 represents a critical permission flaw within Intel High Definition Audio drivers that affects systems running versions prior to 9.21.00.4561. This issue resides in the audio driver component that manages high definition audio functionality on Windows systems, creating a potential pathway for privilege escalation attacks. The vulnerability specifically targets the improper handling of access controls within the driver's implementation, allowing authenticated users to exploit weaknesses in the permission model. The flaw is particularly concerning because it requires only local authentication to exploit, meaning any user with valid login credentials on the system can potentially leverage this vulnerability to gain elevated privileges. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-276 category of improper access control, where the system fails to properly enforce access restrictions that should prevent unauthorized privilege escalation. The attack vector is classified as local access, which aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 for local privilege escalation, making it a significant concern for enterprise environments where user authentication is already established.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from how the Intel HD Audio driver manages file and registry permissions for its components. When the driver initializes and processes audio-related operations, it fails to properly validate or enforce access controls for critical system resources. This flaw allows a malicious user to manipulate driver behavior through crafted audio operations or by directly accessing driver components that should be restricted to system-level processes. The root cause is typically found in the driver's kernel-mode code where it handles privilege checks and resource access requests. Attackers can exploit this by creating specific audio configurations or by directly manipulating driver interfaces that expose the permission bypass. The vulnerability essentially allows an authenticated user to execute code with higher privileges than initially granted, potentially enabling access to sensitive system resources, modification of critical system files, or even complete system compromise. The impact is particularly severe because audio drivers are often loaded with elevated privileges and have extensive access to system hardware, making them attractive targets for attackers seeking persistent access.
The operational impact of CVE-2020-12307 extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it can serve as a foundation for more sophisticated attacks within compromised systems. Once an attacker gains elevated privileges through this vulnerability, they can establish persistent access through various methods including creating backdoors, modifying system configurations, or deploying additional malicious software. The local nature of the attack means that network-based defenses may not detect or prevent exploitation, as the attack occurs entirely within the system's local environment. This vulnerability is particularly dangerous in enterprise settings where multiple users may have legitimate access to systems, as it provides a mechanism for privilege escalation that can be difficult to detect through traditional monitoring approaches. Organizations with unpatched systems remain vulnerable to attackers who may have already gained initial access through other means, using this vulnerability to elevate their privileges and maintain persistent access. The impact is further amplified by the fact that audio drivers are commonly used in various system operations and are often updated infrequently, making the window for exploitation potentially long.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-12307 focus primarily on immediate driver updates and system hardening measures. The most effective solution is to update the Intel High Definition Audio drivers to version 9.21.00.4561 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the permission flaws. System administrators should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all audio drivers are current and that updates are deployed promptly across all affected systems. Additional mitigations include implementing strict access controls for system directories and registry entries related to audio drivers, monitoring for unusual driver behavior, and conducting regular security assessments of system components. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of principle of least privilege enforcement, where system components should only have the minimum permissions necessary to perform their functions. Organizations should consider implementing application whitelisting policies that restrict which audio drivers can be loaded and executed on systems. Security monitoring should include detection of unauthorized driver modifications and access attempts to privileged system resources. From a compliance perspective, this vulnerability affects standards such as NIST SP 800-53 controls related to system access control and privilege management, making proper patching and monitoring essential for maintaining security posture and regulatory compliance.