CVE-2020-0583
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows an authenticated user on a local system to potentially escalate privileges due to improper access control in Intel Smart Sound Technology. It affects systems with specific 8th and 10th Generation Intel Core processors running vulnerable versions of the Smart Sound Technology driver. Attackers could gain higher system privileges than intended.
💻 Affected Systems
- Intel Smart Sound Technology driver
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
An authenticated attacker could gain SYSTEM/root privileges, install malware, steal sensitive data, or maintain persistent access to the compromised system.
Likely Case
Local authenticated users (including malware or compromised accounts) could elevate privileges to install additional malicious software or access restricted system resources.
If Mitigated
With proper privilege separation and least privilege principles, impact is limited to the compromised user account's scope rather than full system compromise.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires local access and authenticated user credentials. No public exploit code has been disclosed as of the advisory date.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Version 3431 for 10th Generation Intel Core i7 Processors, Version 3349 for 8th Generation Intel Core Processors
Vendor Advisory: https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/security-center/advisory/intel-sa-00354.html
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Visit Intel's security advisory page. 2. Download the updated Intel Smart Sound Technology driver for your specific processor generation. 3. Install the driver update. 4. Restart the system to complete the installation.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict local user privileges
allImplement least privilege principles to limit what authenticated users can do, reducing the impact of successful exploitation.
Disable Intel Smart Sound Technology
allIf not required, disable the Intel Smart Sound Technology feature in BIOS/UEFI settings or device manager.
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict access controls and monitor for privilege escalation attempts
- Segment affected systems from critical infrastructure and apply network isolation where possible
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check Intel Smart Sound Technology driver version in Device Manager (Windows) or via system information tools. Compare against vulnerable versions listed in the advisory.Check Version:
Windows: Check Device Manager > Sound, video and game controllers > Intel(R) Smart Sound Technology driver properties. Linux: Check with appropriate driver management tools for your distribution.Verify Fix Applied:
Verify the driver version has been updated to 3431 or higher for 10th Gen i7, or 3349 or higher for 8th Gen processors.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unexpected privilege escalation events
- Driver loading failures or anomalies
- Access control violations in system logs
Network Indicators:
- None - this is a local privilege escalation vulnerability
SIEM Query:
Search for Event ID 4672 (Special privileges assigned to new logon) or equivalent privilege escalation events from non-administrative users on affected systems.