CVE-2024-21788
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability in Intel GPA software allows authenticated local users to escalate privileges by manipulating the search path for DLLs or other files. It affects users running vulnerable versions of Intel GPA software on Windows systems. Attackers could gain higher system permissions than intended.
💻 Affected Systems
- Intel(R) Graphics Performance Analyzers (GPA)
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
An authenticated attacker could achieve full SYSTEM-level privileges, potentially taking complete control of the affected system.
Likely Case
Local authenticated users could elevate their privileges to administrator level, enabling them to install programs, modify system settings, or access sensitive data.
If Mitigated
With proper access controls and patching, the risk is limited to authorized users who would need to bypass additional security measures.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires local authenticated access and knowledge of DLL planting techniques. No public exploits have been reported.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 2023.4 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/security-center/advisory/intel-sa-01067.html
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Download Intel GPA version 2023.4 or later from Intel's website
2. Uninstall the vulnerable version
3. Install the updated version
4. Restart the system
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict local user permissions
windowsLimit local user accounts to standard user privileges to reduce attack surface
Remove vulnerable software
windowsUninstall Intel GPA if not required for operations
Control Panel > Programs > Uninstall a program > Select Intel GPA > Uninstall
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Restrict access to systems with vulnerable Intel GPA installations to only trusted, necessary users
- Implement application whitelisting to prevent execution of unauthorized binaries
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check Intel GPA version in Control Panel > Programs or via 'Intel GPA' in Start Menu > AboutCheck Version:
Not applicable - check via GUI or registry: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Intel\GPAVerify Fix Applied:
Verify installed version is 2023.4 or later using the same method📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual process creation from Intel GPA directories
- Failed attempts to load DLLs from unusual locations
- User privilege escalation events in Windows Security logs
Network Indicators:
- Not applicable - local vulnerability
SIEM Query:
EventID=4688 AND ProcessName LIKE '%IntelGPA%' AND NewProcessName LIKE '%cmd.exe%' OR '%powershell.exe%'