CVE-2023-24481 is a vulnerability identified in Intel(R) Thunderbolt(TM) DCH drivers for Windows, specifically in versions prior to 88. The issue stems from improper access control mechanisms within the driver software, which can be exploited by an authenticated local user to escalate their privileges on the affected system. The vulnerability allows a user with limited privileges to gain higher-level access rights, potentially leading to unauthorized actions that compromise system confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The vulnerability is classified as an escalation of privilege (EoP) and does not require user interaction beyond initial authentication. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 6.3, indicating a medium severity level. The vector details (AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:L/I:L/A:L) reveal that the attack requires local access (AV:L), low attack complexity (AC:L), and privileges at the user level (PR:L), with no user interaction (UI:N). The scope is changed (S:C), meaning the vulnerability affects resources beyond the initially compromised component. The impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability is low to moderate (C:L/I:L/A:L). No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, and no official patches or mitigation links were provided at the time of publication. Intel Thunderbolt drivers are widely used in modern Windows-based laptops and desktops that support Thunderbolt connectivity, which is common in enterprise and high-performance computing environments. The vulnerability could be leveraged by malicious insiders or attackers who have gained limited access to a system to elevate their privileges and potentially deploy further attacks or gain persistent control.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a risk primarily in environments where Intel Thunderbolt DCH drivers are deployed on Windows machines, especially in corporate laptops and workstations that utilize Thunderbolt ports for peripheral connectivity. The ability to escalate privileges locally can facilitate lateral movement within networks, unauthorized access to sensitive data, and the installation of persistent malware. This is particularly concerning for sectors with high-value intellectual property or sensitive personal data, such as finance, healthcare, government, and critical infrastructure. Although exploitation requires local access and authenticated user privileges, insider threats or attackers who have compromised user credentials could exploit this vulnerability to gain administrative control. This could lead to data breaches, disruption of services, or further compromise of networked systems. The medium severity rating suggests that while the vulnerability is not trivial, it is not among the most critical; however, the scope change and potential for privilege escalation warrant prompt attention in security-sensitive environments.

1. Immediate deployment of updated Intel Thunderbolt DCH drivers version 88 or later as soon as they become available from Intel or system vendors is the most effective mitigation. 2. Implement strict access controls and endpoint security policies to limit local user privileges to the minimum necessary, reducing the pool of users who could exploit this vulnerability. 3. Monitor and audit local user activities on systems with Thunderbolt ports, focusing on unusual privilege escalations or unauthorized access attempts. 4. Employ application whitelisting and endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to detect and block suspicious activities related to privilege escalation. 5. Disable or restrict Thunderbolt port usage on systems where it is not required, thereby reducing the attack surface. 6. Educate users and administrators about the risks associated with local privilege escalation vulnerabilities and the importance of applying security updates promptly. 7. Maintain robust physical security controls to prevent unauthorized physical access to devices, as local access is a prerequisite for exploitation.