CVE-2020-8682 in Graphics Drivers
Summary
by MITRE
Out of bounds read in system driver for some Intel(R) Graphics Drivers before version 15.33.50.5129 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
This vulnerability affects Intel graphics drivers and represents a critical out-of-bounds read flaw that can be exploited by authenticated local users to cause denial of service conditions. The issue exists within the system driver component of Intel graphics software, specifically in versions prior to 15.33.50.5129, making it a persistent threat in environments where older driver versions remain deployed. The vulnerability stems from insufficient bounds checking in memory access operations, allowing malicious code to read data beyond allocated memory boundaries. This type of flaw falls under the CWE-129 category of Improper Validation of Array Index, which is a fundamental security weakness that can lead to unpredictable behavior and system instability. The attack surface is particularly concerning as it requires only local authentication, meaning any user with legitimate access to the system can potentially exploit this vulnerability without requiring elevated privileges or network access. When exploited, the out-of-bounds read can cause the graphics driver to crash or behave unpredictably, leading to system hangs, display corruption, or complete system denial of service. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1499.001 which involves network denial of service attacks, though in this case the impact is localized to system resources rather than network infrastructure. The flaw demonstrates a classic memory safety issue where the driver fails to properly validate input parameters before performing memory operations, creating an opportunity for attackers to manipulate memory access patterns. The impact extends beyond simple service disruption as graphics drivers are fundamental system components that interact with hardware and operating system resources, making any instability potentially severe. This vulnerability also relates to CWE-787 which describes out-of-bounds write operations, though in this instance the specific issue is read rather than write access. The security implications are particularly severe in enterprise environments where Intel graphics drivers are widely deployed, as a single compromised endpoint could potentially disrupt multiple users or services. Organizations should prioritize patching to version 15.33.50.5129 or later, as this represents the first fixed release that addresses the memory validation issue. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation and bounds checking in system-level software components, especially those that handle hardware interaction. Additionally, this flaw underscores the need for regular driver updates and security monitoring, as out-of-bounds memory access issues often remain undetected until exploited in real-world scenarios. System administrators should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all graphics drivers are updated promptly, particularly in environments where local access is not strictly controlled. The remediation process requires careful consideration of system compatibility and potential regression issues that may arise from driver updates, making thorough testing essential before widespread deployment. Organizations should also consider implementing additional security controls such as application whitelisting and privilege separation to limit the potential impact of local exploitation attempts. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of memory safety in system drivers and the potential for seemingly minor flaws to create significant operational disruptions in computing environments.