CVE-2020-8750
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability is a use-after-free flaw in Intel's Trusted Execution Engine (TXE) kernel mode driver that allows an authenticated local attacker to potentially escalate privileges. It affects systems with Intel TXE versions before 3.1.80 and 4.0.30. Attackers could gain elevated system privileges by exploiting this memory corruption issue.
💻 Affected Systems
- Intel Trusted Execution Engine (TXE)
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
An authenticated attacker gains full system control (root/admin privileges) and can install persistent malware, access sensitive data, or disable security controls.
Likely Case
Privilege escalation allowing attackers to bypass application restrictions, install unauthorized software, or access protected system resources.
If Mitigated
Limited impact with proper privilege separation, minimal user access, and security monitoring in place.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires authenticated local access and knowledge of memory corruption techniques. No public exploit code available at advisory time.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: TXE version 3.1.80 or 4.0.30
Vendor Advisory: https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/security-center/advisory/intel-sa-00391
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Check current TXE firmware version. 2. Download updated firmware from Intel or system manufacturer. 3. Apply firmware update following manufacturer instructions. 4. Reboot system to complete installation.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict Local Access
allLimit local authenticated access to affected systems to trusted users only
Implement Least Privilege
allEnsure users operate with minimal necessary privileges to reduce impact scope
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Isolate affected systems from critical network segments
- Implement strict access controls and monitor for privilege escalation attempts
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check TXE firmware version using Intel System Tools or manufacturer-specific utilitiesCheck Version:
Use manufacturer-specific firmware check tools or Intel TXE detection utilitiesVerify Fix Applied:
Verify TXE firmware version is 3.1.80 or higher (for 3.x) or 4.0.30 or higher (for 4.x)📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unexpected privilege escalation events
- Suspicious driver loading
- Kernel mode access violations
Network Indicators:
- None - local exploit only
SIEM Query:
Search for privilege escalation events from authenticated users on systems with Intel TXE