CVE-2020-8702
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability in Intel Processor Diagnostic Tool allows authenticated local users to escalate privileges by exploiting an uncontrolled search path element. Attackers can place malicious DLLs in directories searched by the tool to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges. Only users with local access to systems running the vulnerable software are affected.
💻 Affected Systems
- Intel Processor Diagnostic Tool
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Full system compromise with administrative privileges, allowing installation of persistent malware, data theft, or lateral movement within the network.
Likely Case
Local privilege escalation enabling attackers to bypass security controls, install additional tools, or access restricted system resources.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if proper access controls prevent unauthorized local access and DLL planting in search paths.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires authenticated local access and ability to place files in specific directories. No public exploit code available at advisory publication.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 4.1.5.37
Vendor Advisory: https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/security-center/advisory/intel-sa-00458.html
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Download Intel Processor Diagnostic Tool version 4.1.5.37 or later from Intel's website. 2. Uninstall previous versions. 3. Install the updated version. 4. Verify installation by checking version number.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Remove vulnerable software
windowsUninstall Intel Processor Diagnostic Tool if not required for operations
Control Panel > Programs > Uninstall a program > Select Intel Processor Diagnostic Tool > Uninstall
Restrict DLL search paths
allUse application control policies to restrict DLL loading from untrusted directories
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Remove Intel Processor Diagnostic Tool from all systems where it's not essential
- Implement strict access controls to prevent unauthorized local users from planting files in application directories
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check installed version of Intel Processor Diagnostic Tool via Control Panel (Windows) or package manager (Linux)Check Version:
Windows: Check in Control Panel > Programs. Linux: dpkg -l | grep intel-processor-diagnostic-tool or rpm -qa | grep intel-processor-diagnostic-toolVerify Fix Applied:
Confirm version is 4.1.5.37 or later and verify no older versions exist on system📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual process execution from Intel Processor Diagnostic Tool directories
- DLL loading from unexpected locations by IPDT processes
Network Indicators:
- Not network exploitable - local privilege escalation only
SIEM Query:
Process creation where parent process contains 'IPDT' or 'Intel Processor Diagnostic' AND child process is suspicious (e.g., cmd.exe, powershell.exe, wmic.exe)