CVE-2020-0514
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability in Intel Graphics Driver installers allows authenticated local users to escalate privileges due to improper default permissions. Attackers could gain SYSTEM/root-level access on affected systems. This affects Windows systems with vulnerable Intel Graphics Drivers installed.
💻 Affected Systems
- Intel Graphics Drivers
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Local authenticated attacker gains SYSTEM/root privileges, enabling complete system compromise, data theft, persistence installation, and lateral movement.
Likely Case
Malicious insider or compromised user account escalates to administrative privileges to install malware, steal credentials, or bypass security controls.
If Mitigated
With proper patch management and least privilege principles, impact is limited to denial of service at most.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires local authenticated access. The installer permission misconfiguration makes exploitation straightforward once initial access is obtained.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 26.20.100.7463 or 15.45.30.5103 and later
Vendor Advisory: https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/security-center/advisory/intel-sa-00315.html
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Download updated Intel Graphics Driver from Intel's website or Windows Update. 2. Run the installer with administrative privileges. 3. Follow on-screen instructions. 4. Restart the system when prompted.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict installer directory permissions
windowsManually set proper permissions on Intel Graphics Driver installation directories to prevent unauthorized access
icacls "C:\Program Files\Intel\Graphics" /inheritance:r /grant:r "SYSTEM:(OI)(CI)F" "Administrators:(OI)(CI)F" /deny "Users:(OI)(CI)C"
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict least privilege principles - ensure no users have unnecessary local administrative rights
- Monitor for suspicious process creation events and privilege escalation attempts using endpoint detection tools
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check Intel Graphics Driver version in Device Manager > Display adapters > Intel Graphics > Driver tab, or run: wmic path win32_pnpsigneddriver where "DeviceName like '%Intel%Graphics%'" get DriverVersionCheck Version:
wmic path win32_pnpsigneddriver where "DeviceName like '%Intel%Graphics%'" get DriverVersionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify driver version is 26.20.100.7463 or higher (or 15.45.30.5103 for older series) using same commands📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Windows Event ID 4688 (process creation) showing unusual processes running from Intel Graphics directories with elevated privileges
- Unexpected SYSTEM-level process execution by non-admin users
Network Indicators:
- No network indicators - local privilege escalation only
SIEM Query:
EventID=4688 AND (NewProcessName contains "Intel" OR NewProcessName contains "Graphics") AND IntegrityLevel="System" AND SubjectUserName!="SYSTEM"