CVE-2024-42419 in GPA
Summary
by MITRE • 02/13/2025
Incorrect default permissions for some Intel(R) GPA and Intel(R) GPA Framework software installers may allow an authenticated user to potentially enable escalation of privilege via local access.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/13/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-42419 affects Intel Graphics Performance Analyzer and Intel Graphics Performance Analyzer Framework software installations, presenting a critical security risk through improper default permission configurations. This issue manifests when the installer components fail to establish appropriate access controls, creating potential pathways for privilege escalation. The flaw specifically targets the installation process of Intel's graphics performance analysis tools, which are commonly deployed in development and testing environments where elevated privileges are typically required for system-level operations.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from inadequate permission handling during the software installation process, allowing authenticated local users to manipulate system resources that should remain restricted. This misconfiguration creates a scenario where a user with legitimate access to the system can potentially leverage the improperly set permissions to elevate their privileges. The vulnerability operates at the file system and registry level, where installation components fail to properly implement mandatory access controls that would normally prevent unauthorized privilege elevation. This type of flaw aligns with CWE-276, which addresses improper file permissions, and represents a classic example of privilege escalation through inadequate access control enforcement.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it can enable attackers to gain elevated system privileges that would otherwise require administrative access. An authenticated user could potentially modify critical system files, install malicious software, or access sensitive data that should remain protected. The risk is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where development workstations might be shared or where users have legitimate access but could abuse their privileges. This vulnerability affects systems where Intel Graphics Performance Analyzer tools are installed, creating persistent access vectors that could be exploited by both internal and external threat actors.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including verifying proper permission settings on installed components, applying available patches from Intel, and conducting comprehensive audits of system permissions for Intel graphics software installations. The recommended approach involves reviewing and correcting default permission settings across all affected systems, implementing strict access controls for installation directories, and monitoring for unauthorized privilege escalation attempts. Security teams should also consider implementing least privilege principles for user accounts and regularly validate that system configurations maintain appropriate access controls. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper permission management during software installation processes and highlights the need for comprehensive security reviews of system components. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as privilege escalation through local exploitation, specifically under techniques that leverage misconfigured permissions and access controls to gain elevated system privileges.