CVE-2020-8679 in Graphics Drivers
Summary
by MITRE
Out-of-bounds write in Kernel Mode Driver for some Intel(R) Graphics Drivers before version 26.20.100.7755 may allow an authenticated user to potentially enable denial of service via local access.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/13/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-8679 represents a critical out-of-bounds write flaw within the kernel mode driver component of Intel Graphics Drivers, specifically affecting versions prior to 26.20.100.7755. This issue resides in the graphics driver subsystem that operates at kernel level, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by malicious actors with local access to the system. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and bounds checking within the driver's memory management routines, creating opportunities for attackers to manipulate memory locations beyond their intended boundaries.
The technical nature of this flaw falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category of CWE-787, which specifically addresses out-of-bounds writes in kernel-mode components. This weakness allows an attacker to write data beyond the allocated memory buffer, potentially corrupting adjacent memory locations or overwriting critical kernel structures. The vulnerability occurs when the graphics driver processes certain input parameters from user-mode applications without proper validation of buffer limits, enabling malicious code to overwrite memory regions that should remain protected. The attack vector requires local system access and authentication, making it a privilege escalation risk that could be leveraged to cause system instability or complete system compromise.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant risk to enterprise environments where Intel graphics drivers are widely deployed across desktop and laptop systems. The potential for denial of service means that an authenticated user could cause system crashes, application failures, or complete system hangs that would require manual intervention to resolve. In addition to service disruption, the out-of-bounds write could potentially be exploited to execute arbitrary code with kernel-level privileges, allowing attackers to bypass security controls and establish persistent access to affected systems. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that many enterprise systems rely on Intel graphics drivers for both display functionality and integrated graphics processing.
The mitigation strategy for CVE-2020-8679 centers on immediate driver updates from Intel, specifically targeting version 26.20.100.7755 or later which contain the necessary patches to address the bounds checking deficiencies. System administrators should prioritize deployment of these updates across all affected systems, particularly those with high security requirements or sensitive data processing capabilities. Additional defensive measures include implementing least privilege access controls to limit local user access, monitoring system logs for unusual memory access patterns, and maintaining comprehensive backup and recovery procedures to address potential system instability. Organizations should also consider implementing runtime application control measures and endpoint detection systems that can identify suspicious memory manipulation patterns consistent with this type of vulnerability exploitation.
This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers the exploitation of local system privileges for privilege escalation, and demonstrates how kernel-level flaws can be leveraged to bypass traditional security boundaries. The attack scenario typically involves an authenticated user executing malicious code that triggers the out-of-bounds write condition, potentially leading to system compromise through privilege escalation or denial of service conditions. Security teams should monitor for indicators of compromise related to memory corruption events and maintain awareness of similar kernel-mode vulnerabilities that could be exploited in combination with this flaw to achieve more sophisticated attack objectives.