CVE-2025-20018
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability in Intel Graphics Drivers allows an authenticated local user to potentially escalate privileges by exploiting an untrusted pointer dereference. It affects systems with vulnerable Intel graphics drivers installed. Attackers could gain higher system privileges than originally granted.
💻 Affected Systems
- Intel Graphics Drivers
⚠️ 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
Full system compromise with administrative/root privileges, allowing complete control over the affected system and potential lateral movement.
Likely Case
Local privilege escalation from standard user to administrator/root, enabling installation of malware, data theft, or persistence mechanisms.
If Mitigated
Limited impact with proper privilege separation and minimal user access, though still concerning for multi-user systems.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires authenticated local access and knowledge of exploitation techniques. CVSS 8.4 indicates significant impact but requires local access.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Check Intel DSA or Windows Update for latest graphics driver versions
Vendor Advisory: https://intel.com/content/www/us/en/security-center/advisory/intel-sa-01259.html
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Visit Intel Driver & Support Assistant (DSA) or Windows Update. 2. Check for graphics driver updates. 3. Download and install latest Intel graphics driver. 4. Restart system to complete installation.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict local user access
allLimit local user accounts and implement least privilege principles to reduce attack surface
Disable unnecessary graphics features
allReduce attack surface by disabling unused graphics capabilities if possible
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict access controls and limit local user privileges
- Monitor for suspicious privilege escalation attempts and unauthorized administrative activities
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check Intel graphics driver version against affected versions listed in Intel SA-01259 advisoryCheck Version:
Windows: dxdiag (Display tab) or Device Manager > Display adapters. Linux: lspci -v | grep -A 12 VGAVerify Fix Applied:
Verify graphics driver version is updated to patched version from Intel DSA or Windows Update📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unexpected privilege escalation events
- Suspicious graphics driver process behavior
- Failed privilege escalation attempts
Network Indicators:
- Not applicable - local exploit only
SIEM Query:
EventID=4672 (Privilege escalation) OR suspicious process creation from graphics-related executables