CVE-2020-0544
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability in Intel Graphics Drivers allows authenticated local users to escalate privileges through insufficient control flow management in the kernel mode driver. It affects systems with vulnerable Intel graphics drivers installed, primarily impacting Windows systems with Intel integrated or discrete graphics. Attackers could gain SYSTEM-level privileges on affected machines.
💻 Affected Systems
- Intel Graphics Drivers
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
An authenticated attacker gains SYSTEM/root privileges, enabling complete system compromise, data theft, persistence establishment, and lateral movement capabilities.
Likely Case
Local privilege escalation allowing attackers to bypass security controls, install malware, or access protected system resources.
If Mitigated
Limited impact with proper privilege separation, application control, and restricted local access to sensitive systems.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires authenticated local access and knowledge of driver exploitation techniques. No public exploits known as of last reporting.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 15.36.39.5145 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/security-center/advisory/intel-sa-00438.html
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Download updated Intel Graphics Driver from Intel website or Windows Update. 2. Run installer with administrative privileges. 3. Follow on-screen prompts. 4. Restart system when prompted.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable Intel Graphics Driver
windowsTemporarily disable the vulnerable driver if not essential for system operation
devmgmt.msc -> Display adapters -> Right-click Intel graphics -> Disable device
Restrict Local Access
windowsLimit local interactive logon rights to trusted users only
gpedit.msc -> Computer Configuration -> Windows Settings -> Security Settings -> Local Policies -> User Rights Assignment -> Allow log on locally
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict application control/whitelisting to prevent unauthorized executables
- Enforce principle of least privilege and restrict local administrator rights
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check driver version in Device Manager under Display adapters -> Intel graphics -> Driver tabCheck Version:
powershell Get-WmiObject Win32_PnPSignedDriver | Where-Object {$_.DeviceName -like '*Intel*Graphics*'} | Select-Object DeviceName, DriverVersionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify driver version is 15.36.39.5145 or higher in Device Manager📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unexpected privilege escalation events
- Driver loading failures
- System integrity violations
Network Indicators:
- None - local exploitation only
SIEM Query:
EventID=4688 AND NewProcessName LIKE '*\system32\*' AND SubjectUserName NOT IN (trusted_system_accounts)