CVE-2020-8765 in RealSense DCM
Summary
by MITRE • 02/17/2021
Incorrect default permissions in the installer for the Intel(R) RealSense(TM) DCM may allow a privileged 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-2020-8765 resides within the Intel RealSense DCM installer, specifically concerning the improper configuration of default file permissions during the installation process. This flaw affects the Intel RealSense Depth Camera Manager software suite, which provides drivers and utilities for managing Intel RealSense depth cameras in various computing environments. The installer fails to properly set restrictive permissions on installed components, creating potential security gaps that could be exploited by malicious actors with local access to the system. The issue stems from the installer's default behavior of creating files and directories with overly permissive access controls, particularly affecting system-level components that should require elevated privileges for modification or execution.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the installer's failure to properly enforce access control mechanisms during the installation process. When the Intel RealSense DCM software is installed, certain system files, configuration directories, and executable components are created with default permissions that allow unauthorized modification or execution by users who may not have appropriate authorization levels. This misconfiguration creates a privilege escalation vector where a local user with basic account privileges could potentially modify critical system components that should only be accessible to administrators or system-level processes. The flaw specifically impacts the installation of driver components, utility executables, and configuration files that are essential for the operation of the RealSense camera system. According to CWE-732, this represents an incorrect permission assignment vulnerability where the system fails to properly set access controls, creating a direct path for unauthorized privilege elevation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple local privilege escalation, as it affects the overall security posture of systems running Intel RealSense DCM software. Attackers who gain local access to a system could exploit this weakness to modify core system components, potentially leading to persistent backdoors, system compromise, or the execution of malicious code with elevated privileges. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where multiple users may have local access to systems running RealSense cameras, as it could enable attackers to establish persistent access or escalate their privileges to administrative levels. This weakness undermines the principle of least privilege and creates opportunities for attackers to move laterally within networks or maintain access to compromised systems. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers privilege escalation through local exploitation, and represents a common attack vector that leverages misconfigured system permissions to gain elevated access.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-8765 should focus on immediate remediation through official Intel patches and updates that properly configure file permissions during installation. System administrators should verify that installed RealSense components have appropriate access controls and that no files exist with overly permissive settings such as world-writable or group-writable permissions. Regular security audits should be conducted to identify and correct any improperly configured permissions on system files and directories related to Intel RealSense software. Organizations should implement privilege separation measures and ensure that only authorized personnel have access to modify system-level components. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper access control implementation during software installation processes and underscores the need for comprehensive security testing of installer components. Additionally, security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unauthorized modifications to system files that may indicate exploitation attempts, particularly focusing on changes to directories and executables associated with the RealSense camera management system.