CVE-2024-28050 in Arc
Summary
by MITRE • 08/14/2024
Improper access control in some Intel(R) Arc(TM) & Iris(R) Xe Graphics software before version 31.0.101.4824 may allow an authenticated user to potentially enable denial of service via local access.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/07/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-28050 represents a critical access control flaw within Intel's graphics software ecosystem affecting Intel Arc and Iris Xe graphics drivers. This issue resides in the permission management mechanisms of the graphics software stack, where proper authorization checks fail to validate user privileges before executing sensitive operations. The vulnerability specifically impacts versions prior to 31.0.101.4824, indicating that Intel has acknowledged and addressed this weakness in their subsequent software releases. The flaw manifests as an insufficient validation of access permissions, allowing authenticated users to potentially exploit the system through local access channels. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of improper access control as defined by CWE-284, which specifically addresses inadequate access control mechanisms in software systems. The vulnerability's classification aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which describes the exploitation of local system privileges to gain unauthorized access to system resources. The affected graphics software components operate at a low system level, making them prime targets for privilege escalation attacks that could compromise the overall system integrity.
The technical implementation of this access control flaw allows an authenticated user to manipulate system resources that should be restricted to privileged processes or administrators. When a user authenticates to a system running vulnerable Intel graphics software, the permission validation logic fails to properly enforce access boundaries for graphics-related operations. This weakness creates a pathway for local attackers to potentially trigger denial of service conditions by executing unauthorized operations against graphics subsystem components. The vulnerability's exploitation requires local system access, meaning that an attacker must already have authenticated credentials to the target system, but does not require elevated privileges beyond standard user accounts. The software's failure to properly validate user permissions before allowing access to graphics driver functions creates an opportunity for malicious code execution or system resource exhaustion that could result in complete system unavailability. The graphics subsystem's interaction with kernel-level components amplifies the potential impact, as these operations typically have elevated privileges and can directly affect system stability and performance.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-28050 extends beyond simple denial of service conditions to potentially compromise system availability and user experience across multiple computing environments. Organizations utilizing Intel Arc and Iris Xe graphics hardware that have not updated to version 31.0.101.4824 remain vulnerable to local privilege escalation attacks that could result in system crashes, application failures, or complete system lockouts. The vulnerability affects various computing scenarios including desktop systems, laptops, and enterprise workstations where Intel graphics drivers are deployed. In enterprise environments, this weakness could be exploited by malicious insiders or compromised user accounts to disrupt business operations, particularly in scenarios where graphics-intensive applications are critical to operations. The localized nature of the attack vector means that the vulnerability cannot be exploited remotely, but the potential for system-wide impact remains significant, especially in environments where graphics processing is heavily utilized. The attack surface includes scenarios where users might be running graphics-intensive applications or performing system maintenance tasks that could trigger the vulnerability.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-28050 should prioritize immediate software updates to version 31.0.101.4824 or later, which contain the necessary access control fixes. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all systems running Intel graphics software are updated promptly. System administrators should monitor for unauthorized access attempts and implement additional logging mechanisms to detect potential exploitation attempts. Network segmentation and access control policies should be reviewed to minimize the potential impact of local privilege escalation attacks. Security teams should consider implementing runtime monitoring for unusual graphics driver activity or access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's classification as a local access control issue means that traditional network-based security controls may not prevent exploitation, requiring more granular endpoint protection measures. Organizations should also consider implementing user account management best practices, including limiting local user privileges and ensuring that only authorized personnel have access to systems running vulnerable graphics software. Compliance with industry standards such as NIST SP 800-40 and ISO 27001 should be maintained through proper vulnerability management and access control enforcement procedures. The remediation approach should include thorough testing of updated drivers in controlled environments before widespread deployment to ensure compatibility with existing system configurations and applications.