CVE-2020-8741
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability in Intel Thunderbolt non-DCH driver installer for Windows allows authenticated local users to escalate privileges due to improper permissions. Attackers could gain SYSTEM-level access on affected systems. Only Windows systems with the vulnerable Thunderbolt driver are impacted.
💻 Affected Systems
- Intel Thunderbolt non-DCH driver for Windows
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Manual Verification Required
This CVE does not have specific version information in our database, so automatic vulnerability detection cannot determine if your system is affected.
Why? The CVE database entry doesn't specify which versions are vulnerable (no version ranges provided by the vendor/NVD).
🔒 Custom verification scripts are available for registered users. Sign up free to download automated test scripts.
- Review the CVE details at NVD
- Check vendor security advisories for your specific version
- Test if the vulnerability is exploitable in your environment
- Consider updating to the latest version as a precaution
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Attacker gains SYSTEM privileges, enabling complete system compromise, data theft, persistence mechanisms, and lateral movement capabilities.
Likely Case
Local authenticated attacker elevates to administrative privileges to install malware, modify system configurations, or access protected resources.
If Mitigated
With proper access controls and least privilege principles, impact is limited to authorized user actions within their normal permissions.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires local authenticated access. Exploitation likely involves manipulating installer permissions to execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Latest Intel Thunderbolt driver from Intel website
Vendor Advisory: https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/security-center/advisory/intel-sa-00393.html
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Visit Intel Driver & Support Assistant or Intel Download Center. 2. Download latest Thunderbolt driver. 3. Run installer with administrative privileges. 4. Restart system when prompted.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Remove vulnerable driver
windowsUninstall the vulnerable Thunderbolt non-DCH driver if Thunderbolt functionality is not required
Control Panel > Programs > Uninstall a program > Select Intel Thunderbolt driver > Uninstall
Restrict local access
allImplement strict local access controls and limit user privileges to reduce attack surface
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict least privilege principles for all user accounts
- Monitor for privilege escalation attempts and unusual installer activity
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check Device Manager > System devices for Intel Thunderbolt Controller. Check driver version against Intel advisory.Check Version:
wmic path win32_pnpsigneddriver where "devicename like '%Thunderbolt%'" get devicename, driverversionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify driver version is updated to latest version from Intel website. Check that installer permissions are properly configured.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Windows Event Logs showing privilege escalation attempts
- Installer processes running with unexpected privileges
- Driver installation/modification events
Network Indicators:
- Not applicable - local privilege escalation only
SIEM Query:
EventID=4688 AND (ProcessName LIKE '%thunderbolt%' OR CommandLine LIKE '%thunderbolt%') AND NewProcessName='*' AND TokenElevationType='%%1938'