CVE-2020-8763 in RealSense D400
Summary
by MITRE
Improper permissions in the installer for the Intel(R) RealSense(TM) D400 Series UWP driver for Windows* 10 may allow an authenticated user to potentially enable escalation of privilege via local access.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/13/2020
The CVE-2020-8763 vulnerability affects the Intel RealSense D400 Series UWP driver installer for Windows 10 systems, representing a critical privilege escalation flaw that exploits improper file permissions during the installation process. This vulnerability specifically targets the Windows Universal Platform driver installation mechanism and demonstrates how installer security misconfigurations can create persistent access vectors for malicious actors. The issue stems from the installer not properly setting restricted permissions on installed files and registry entries, allowing authenticated users to gain elevated privileges through local system access. Such flaws are particularly concerning in enterprise environments where multiple users may have legitimate local access but should not possess the ability to escalate their privileges. The vulnerability operates under the broader category of privilege escalation attacks that leverage installer weaknesses, which aligns with CWE-732 - Incorrect Permission Assignment for Critical Resource and falls within ATT&CK technique T1068 - Exploitation for Privilege Escalation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the installer creating files and registry entries with overly permissive access controls that do not adequately restrict access to the installed driver components. When an authenticated user runs the installer, the system creates kernel-mode driver files and associated registry entries that are accessible to any local user account. The installer fails to properly implement access control lists that would normally restrict write and execute permissions to only system-level processes and administrators. This misconfiguration allows a local user to potentially modify or replace critical driver components, enabling them to execute arbitrary code with kernel-level privileges. The vulnerability specifically affects the UWP driver installation process, which is designed to provide a streamlined installation experience but inadvertently creates security gaps through insufficient permission enforcement. The flaw is particularly dangerous because it operates at the system level where users with legitimate local access can exploit the installer's weak permission model to gain unauthorized system control.
The operational impact of CVE-2020-8763 extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it can enable attackers to establish persistent system footholds and potentially compromise entire networks. Once an authenticated user gains elevated privileges through this vulnerability, they can modify system files, install additional malicious software, or manipulate security controls to maintain access. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects a widely deployed driver solution used in various industrial and commercial applications, including robotics, computer vision systems, and augmented reality applications. Organizations using Intel RealSense cameras and depth sensing technology are at risk of unauthorized privilege escalation attacks that could lead to complete system compromise. The vulnerability also demonstrates how modern driver installation mechanisms can introduce security gaps when proper access control enforcement is not implemented, making it a significant concern for system administrators and security teams responsible for protecting Windows environments. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to establish persistence, escalate privileges, and potentially move laterally within networks where these devices are deployed.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-8763 should focus on immediate access control remediation and comprehensive system hardening measures. Organizations should apply the official Intel security patches released to address this vulnerability, which properly configure installer permissions and restrict access to driver components. System administrators should conduct thorough audits of installed RealSense drivers and verify that proper access controls are implemented on all driver-related files and registry entries. The recommended approach includes implementing least privilege principles for all system components, ensuring that only authorized users and processes have access to critical driver files. Network segmentation and monitoring should be enhanced to detect unauthorized privilege escalation attempts, particularly in environments where multiple users have local access to systems with installed RealSense drivers. Security teams should also implement regular vulnerability scanning procedures to identify and remediate similar permission-related issues across their Windows environments. The mitigation approach aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 - Valid Accounts and emphasizes the importance of proper access control enforcement in preventing unauthorized privilege escalation through installer flaws. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing application whitelisting policies and monitoring for suspicious driver installation activities to further reduce the attack surface and prevent exploitation of similar vulnerabilities.