CVE-2024-21864 Overview
CVE-2024-21864 is an improper neutralization vulnerability affecting Intel Arc and Iris Xe Graphics software before version 31.0.101.5081. The flaw may allow an unauthenticated user to enable escalation of privilege via adjacent network access. Intel disclosed the issue in security advisory SA-01053 and released updated graphics software to address it. The vulnerability maps to [CWE-86] Improper Neutralization of Invalid Characters in Identifiers in Web Pages and [CWE-707] Improper Neutralization.
Critical Impact
An adjacent, unauthenticated attacker can trigger privilege escalation against systems running vulnerable Intel Arc and Iris Xe Graphics software, with user interaction required.
Affected Products
- Intel Arc Graphics software before version 31.0.101.5081
- Intel Iris Xe Graphics software before version 31.0.101.5081
- Systems using affected Intel graphics driver packages
Discovery Timeline
- 2024-05-16 - CVE-2024-21864 published to NVD
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2024-21864
Vulnerability Analysis
The vulnerability stems from improper neutralization of input within Intel Arc and Iris Xe Graphics software components. Improper neutralization occurs when software processes untrusted input without adequately removing or escaping characters that carry special meaning to a downstream component. When exploited, the flaw enables an unauthenticated actor with adjacent network access to escalate privileges on the target system.
Intel's advisory SA-01053 identifies the resolution as an update to graphics software version 31.0.101.5081 or later. Exploitation requires user interaction and the attack complexity is high, which reduces the practical exploitability of the issue. The vulnerability carries scope change, meaning a successful exploit affects resources beyond the vulnerable component's security boundary.
At time of writing, there is no public proof-of-concept, no CISA KEV listing, and no confirmed in-the-wild exploitation. For authoritative technical details, refer to the Intel Security Advisory SA-01053.
Root Cause
The root cause is improper neutralization of special elements ([CWE-707]) in Intel graphics software prior to 31.0.101.5081. The affected component fails to sanitize inputs before those inputs reach a security-sensitive interpreter or handler, allowing an attacker-controlled payload to influence privileged behavior.
Attack Vector
The attack vector is adjacent network access, meaning the attacker must be on the same logical or physical network segment as the target. Exploitation requires no authentication but does require user interaction on the victim system. Because the CVSS scope is changed, a successful attack impacts components outside the graphics software's original security scope, resulting in high integrity and availability impact and low confidentiality impact.
No verified exploit code is publicly available. See the Intel Security Advisory SA-01053 for vendor-supplied technical detail.
Detection Methods for CVE-2024-21864
Indicators of Compromise
- Presence of Intel Arc or Iris Xe Graphics driver versions below 31.0.101.5081 reported by asset inventory tooling.
- Unexpected privilege escalation events on hosts with Intel graphics hardware and outdated driver packages.
- Anomalous adjacent-network traffic targeting endpoints followed by local privilege changes.
Detection Strategies
- Inventory endpoints for the installed Intel graphics driver version and flag any version earlier than 31.0.101.5081.
- Correlate driver version telemetry with authentication and privilege-change events to identify suspect escalation attempts.
- Monitor for user-interaction-triggered execution flows originating from adjacent network sources on hosts with vulnerable drivers.
Monitoring Recommendations
- Track process creation and token elevation events on systems running Intel Arc or Iris Xe Graphics software.
- Alert on driver package downgrades or unexpected reinstallations of graphics software.
- Review network segmentation logs for unauthorized adjacent-network access to endpoints with graphics hardware.
How to Mitigate CVE-2024-21864
Immediate Actions Required
- Update Intel Arc and Iris Xe Graphics software to version 31.0.101.5081 or later on all affected endpoints.
- Identify affected hosts using endpoint asset inventory and prioritize systems accessible from shared network segments.
- Restrict adjacent network access to endpoints running vulnerable driver versions until patching is complete.
Patch Information
Intel released fixed graphics software in version 31.0.101.5081. Refer to the Intel Security Advisory SA-01053 for download links and installation guidance. Apply the vendor-supplied update through standard driver deployment channels.
Workarounds
- Enforce network segmentation to prevent untrusted devices from reaching hosts on the same broadcast domain as vulnerable endpoints.
- Restrict local user privileges and remove unnecessary local administrator rights to limit the impact of successful exploitation.
- Train users to avoid interacting with untrusted content that could trigger the required user-interaction step.
# Verify installed Intel graphics driver version on Windows
Get-CimInstance Win32_PnPSignedDriver |
Where-Object { $_.DeviceName -match 'Intel.*(Arc|Iris Xe)' } |
Select-Object DeviceName, DriverVersion
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
