CVE-2023-45217
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability in Intel Power Gadget software allows authenticated local users to escalate privileges on Windows systems. Attackers could gain SYSTEM-level access by exploiting improper access controls. All Windows users running Intel Power Gadget are affected.
💻 Affected Systems
- Intel Power Gadget
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete system compromise with SYSTEM privileges, allowing installation of malware, data theft, and persistence mechanisms.
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 user access controls and least privilege principles are enforced, though local authenticated users could still exploit.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires local authenticated access but is likely straightforward once access is obtained.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Intel recommends removing Intel Power Gadget entirely as no patched version exists
Vendor Advisory: https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/security-center/advisory/intel-sa-01037.html
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Uninstall Intel Power Gadget via Control Panel > Programs and Features. 2. Verify removal by checking Program Files and registry entries. 3. Consider using alternative power monitoring tools.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Remove Intel Power Gadget
windowsUninstall the vulnerable software completely
wmic product where name="Intel Power Gadget" call uninstall /nointeractive
Restrict User Access
windowsApply strict access controls to limit who can run the software
icacls "C:\Program Files\Intel\Power Gadget\*" /deny Users:(RX)
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Remove Intel Power Gadget from all systems immediately
- Implement strict least privilege principles and monitor for privilege escalation attempts
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check if Intel Power Gadget is installed via Control Panel > Programs and Features or by looking for 'Intel Power Gadget' in installed programs listCheck Version:
wmic product where name="Intel Power Gadget" get versionVerify Fix Applied:
Confirm Intel Power Gadget is no longer installed and related files/folders are removed from Program Files📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Event ID 4688 with process name containing 'PowerGadget' or 'Intel Power Gadget'
- Unexpected privilege escalation events from standard user accounts
Network Indicators:
- No network indicators as this is local privilege escalation
SIEM Query:
source="windows_security" EventID=4688 AND (ProcessName="*PowerGadget*" OR ProcessName="*Intel Power Gadget*")