CVE-2023-25174: Intel Chipset Software Privilege Escalation

CVE-2023-25174 Overview

CVE-2023-25174 is an improper access control vulnerability in Intel Chipset Driver Software before version 10.1.19444.8378. This security flaw allows an authenticated local user to potentially escalate privileges on affected systems, posing a significant risk to enterprise environments running vulnerable Intel chipset drivers.

Critical Impact

Authenticated local attackers can exploit improper access control mechanisms to escalate privileges, potentially gaining elevated system access on machines running vulnerable Intel Chipset Driver Software.

Affected Products

• Intel Chipset Device Software (versions prior to 10.1.19444.8378)

Discovery Timeline

• February 14, 2024 - CVE-2023-25174 published to NVD
• January 7, 2025 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2023-25174

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability stems from improper access control (CWE-284) within the Intel Chipset Driver Software. The flaw exists in how the driver software enforces access restrictions, allowing authenticated users with local access to bypass intended security boundaries. When exploited, an attacker who has already gained initial access to a system can leverage this weakness to elevate their privileges beyond their authorized level.

The local attack vector requires the attacker to have some level of authenticated access to the target system before exploitation. Once achieved, the vulnerability enables unauthorized operations that can lead to complete compromise of confidentiality, integrity, and availability on the affected host.

Root Cause

The root cause is improper access control implementation within the Intel Chipset Driver Software. The driver fails to properly validate and enforce access restrictions, allowing authenticated users to perform operations outside their intended permission scope. This type of vulnerability typically arises when security checks are missing, improperly implemented, or can be bypassed through unexpected input or execution paths.

Attack Vector

The exploitation requires local access to the target system with valid user credentials. An authenticated attacker can leverage the improper access control to escalate their privileges from a standard user context to a higher privilege level. This attack path is particularly concerning in environments where shared workstations or terminal services are deployed, as any authenticated user could potentially exploit this vulnerability to gain elevated access.

The attack does not require user interaction, making it straightforward to exploit once initial access is obtained. An attacker could chain this vulnerability with other techniques to move from a low-privilege foothold to administrative or system-level access.

Detection Methods for CVE-2023-25174

Indicators of Compromise

• Unexpected privilege escalation events from standard user accounts on systems with Intel Chipset Driver Software installed
• Anomalous driver activity or unusual system calls originating from authenticated user sessions
• Evidence of Intel Chipset Driver versions prior to 10.1.19444.8378 being targeted or accessed in unusual patterns

Detection Strategies

• Monitor for privilege escalation attempts and unauthorized permission changes on endpoints running Intel Chipset Driver Software
• Implement endpoint detection rules that alert on suspicious driver interactions or access control bypass attempts
• Deploy behavioral analysis to detect anomalous user activity patterns that may indicate exploitation

Monitoring Recommendations

• Audit installed Intel Chipset Driver Software versions across the enterprise to identify vulnerable deployments
• Enable detailed logging for driver operations and access control events on critical systems
• Implement real-time alerting for privilege escalation indicators on systems with known vulnerable software

How to Mitigate CVE-2023-25174

Immediate Actions Required

• Update Intel Chipset Driver Software to version 10.1.19444.8378 or later immediately
• Inventory all systems running Intel Chipset Device Software and prioritize patching based on exposure
• Restrict local access to critical systems until patches can be applied
• Monitor for exploitation attempts on unpatched systems

Patch Information

Intel has addressed this vulnerability in Chipset Driver Software version 10.1.19444.8378 and later. Organizations should download the updated driver from the official Intel Download Center or apply updates through their enterprise software distribution mechanisms. For detailed information about this security issue, refer to the Intel Security Advisory SA-00928.

Workarounds

• Implement the principle of least privilege to minimize the number of authenticated users with local system access
• Apply application whitelisting to restrict unauthorized processes from interacting with driver components
• Enhance monitoring of user activities on systems where patching is delayed
• Consider isolating vulnerable systems from the network until updates can be applied