CVE-2020-12368
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes an integer overflow vulnerability in certain Intel Graphics Drivers that could allow a privileged user to escalate their privileges through local access. The vulnerability affects systems running vulnerable Intel Graphics Drivers before version 26.20.100.8141. Successful exploitation could enable attackers to gain higher system privileges than they should have.
💻 Affected Systems
- Intel Graphics Drivers
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
A local attacker with initial privileges could achieve full system compromise, potentially gaining kernel-level access to execute arbitrary code, install malware, or access sensitive data.
Likely Case
A malicious insider or compromised account could escalate privileges to gain administrative control over the affected system, enabling persistence, lateral movement, or data exfiltration.
If Mitigated
With proper patch management and least privilege principles, the impact is limited as attackers would need initial local access and the vulnerability would be patched before exploitation.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires local access and initial privileges. The attacker needs to understand driver internals and memory layout to trigger the integer overflow effectively.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 26.20.100.8141 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/security-center/advisory/intel-sa-00438.html
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Visit Intel's driver download page. 2. Download the latest graphics driver for your specific Intel graphics hardware. 3. Run the installer and follow on-screen instructions. 4. Restart your system when prompted.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict local access
allLimit local access to systems through physical security and user account controls
Implement least privilege
allEnsure users operate with minimal necessary privileges to reduce impact if exploited
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict access controls to limit who has local access to vulnerable systems
- Monitor for unusual privilege escalation attempts and driver-related process behavior
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check Intel Graphics Driver version in Device Manager (Windows) or using 'lspci -v' and driver information (Linux)Check Version:
Windows: Open Device Manager > Display adapters > Intel Graphics > Driver tab. Linux: Check driver version in /var/log/Xorg.0.log or using appropriate package manager commands.Verify Fix Applied:
Verify driver version is 26.20.100.8141 or higher after update📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual driver loading/unloading events
- Processes running with unexpected elevated privileges
- Kernel mode driver access patterns
Network Indicators:
- Not applicable - local privilege escalation only
SIEM Query:
Process Creation where Parent Process contains 'explorer.exe' AND Command Line contains privilege escalation patterns OR Driver Load events for Intel graphics drivers