CVE-2024-32942
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability in Intel DSA installer for Windows allows authenticated local users to escalate privileges due to incorrect default permissions. Attackers could gain higher system privileges than intended. Only affects Windows systems running vulnerable Intel DSA installer versions.
💻 Affected Systems
- Intel Driver & Support Assistant (DSA) for Windows
⚠️ 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
Local authenticated attacker gains SYSTEM/administrator privileges, enabling complete system compromise, persistence, and lateral movement.
Likely Case
Malicious insider or compromised user account escalates to admin privileges to install malware, steal credentials, or bypass security controls.
If Mitigated
With proper access controls and least privilege, impact limited to isolated systems; attackers cannot pivot to critical assets.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires local authenticated access; complexity is low once attacker has user-level access.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 24.2.19.5 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://intel.com/content/www/us/en/security-center/advisory/intel-sa-01156.html
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Open Intel DSA application. 2. Check for updates in settings. 3. Install version 24.2.19.5 or later. 4. Restart system to complete installation.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Remove vulnerable Intel DSA
windowsUninstall Intel Driver & Support Assistant if not required
Control Panel > Programs > Uninstall a program > Select Intel Driver & Support Assistant > Uninstall
Restrict installer permissions
windowsManually adjust installer directory permissions to restrict write access
icacls "C:\Program Files\Intel\Driver and Support Assistant" /deny Users:(OI)(CI)W
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict least privilege: Ensure users only have necessary permissions, no local admin rights
- Monitor for privilege escalation attempts using Windows Event Logs (Event ID 4672, 4688)
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check Intel DSA version in Control Panel > Programs or run: Get-WmiObject -Class Win32_Product | Where-Object {$_.Name -like '*Intel Driver*'} | Select-Object Name, VersionCheck Version:
Get-WmiObject -Class Win32_Product | Where-Object {$_.Name -like '*Intel Driver*'} | Select-Object VersionVerify Fix Applied:
Confirm installed version is 24.2.19.5 or later using same command📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Windows Event ID 4672 (privilege assignment), 4688 (process creation) showing unexpected privilege escalation
- Unexpected processes running with SYSTEM privileges from user contexts
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound connections from systems after privilege escalation
- Lateral movement attempts from previously low-privilege systems
SIEM Query:
source="windows" AND (event_id=4672 OR event_id=4688) AND process_name="*Intel*" AND user_name!="SYSTEM"