CVE-2020-17382
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability in the MSI AmbientLink MsIo64 driver allows local attackers to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges via buffer overflow in IOCTL handlers. It affects systems running the vulnerable driver version, typically on Windows machines with MSI hardware. Successful exploitation requires local access but can lead to full system compromise.
💻 Affected Systems
- MSI AmbientLink software
- MSI Dragon Center
- MSI Mystic Light
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete system takeover with kernel-level privileges, enabling installation of persistent malware, credential theft, and disabling of security controls.
Likely Case
Local privilege escalation from a standard user account to SYSTEM/administrator privileges, allowing attackers to bypass security restrictions and install additional payloads.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if proper endpoint protection, driver signature enforcement, and least privilege principles are implemented.
🎯 Exploit Status
Public exploit code exists on Packet Storm Security. Exploitation requires local user access but is straightforward once access is obtained.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Update to latest MSI Dragon Center/AmbientLink software (check MSI support site for specific version)
Vendor Advisory: https://us.msi.com/support/download/vga
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Visit MSI support website for your hardware. 2. Download latest Dragon Center/AmbientLink software. 3. Uninstall current version. 4. Install updated version. 5. Restart system.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable or remove vulnerable driver
windowsUninstall MSI AmbientLink/Dragon Center software and remove the MsIo64.sys driver
sc stop MsIo64
sc delete MsIo64
Remove from Device Manager or Programs and Features
Restrict driver loading
windowsUse Windows Driver Signature Enforcement to prevent unsigned/unauthorized drivers
bcdedit /set nointegritychecks off
bcdedit /set testsigning off
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict least privilege principles - ensure users don't have local admin rights
- Deploy endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to detect driver manipulation and privilege escalation attempts
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check driver version in Device Manager under System devices for MsIo64 driver, or run: driverquery | findstr MsIo64Check Version:
driverquery /v | findstr /i "msio64"Verify Fix Applied:
Verify driver version is no longer 1.0.0.8 and check that updated MSI software is installed📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Windows Event ID 7045: Service installation
- Driver load events for MsIo64.sys
- Process creation with elevated privileges from non-admin users
Network Indicators:
- No network indicators - local exploitation only
SIEM Query:
EventID=7045 AND ServiceName="MsIo64" OR ProcessName="MsIo64.sys" AND ParentProcess!="services.exe"🔗 References
- http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/159315/MSI-Ambient-Link-Driver-1.0.0.8-Privilege-Escalation.html
- https://us.msi.com/support/download/vga
- https://www.coresecurity.com/core-labs/advisories/msi-ambient-link-multiple-vulnerabilities
- http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/159315/MSI-Ambient-Link-Driver-1.0.0.8-Privilege-Escalation.html
- https://us.msi.com/support/download/vga
- https://www.coresecurity.com/core-labs/advisories/msi-ambient-link-multiple-vulnerabilities
