In this long-read article, we'll analyze and discuss the recently discovered vulnerability dubbed as CVE-2021-33162. This vulnerability can allow improper access control in some Intel(R) Ethernet Adapters and Intel(R) Ethernet Controller I225 Manageability firmware, leading to potential escalation of privileges for a local attacker. This article will explore the vulnerability itself, its root cause, affected systems, sample code snippets to identify the vulnerability, potential exploits, and mitigation methods to ensure your system is safe and secure against this threat.

Let's start by understanding how the vulnerability might affect everyday users.

Vulnerability Analysis

The vulnerability CVE-2021-33162 was found in Intel(R) Ethernet Adapters and Ethernet Controller I225 Manageability firmware. The improper access control can allow authenticated users to gain prohibited access to system resources, ultimately leading to local privilege escalation. This means that a malicious user can potentially exploit this flaw and gain unauthorized privileges, potentially taking control of the system or executing other nefarious actions.

The original data for this vulnerability can be found on Intel's official website and the NVD (National Vulnerability Database) at the following links:
- Intel Security Advisory: https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/security-center/advisory/intel-sa-00478.html
- NVD Vulnerability Details: https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2021-33162

Affected Systems

The Intel(R) Ethernet Adapters and Ethernet Controller I225 Vulnerabilities affect specific products and firmware versions. You can check the product names and firmware versions affected on Intel's official website in the Intel Security Advisory mentioned above. The Ethernet Adapters and Ethernet Controller I225 are mainly used in enterprise and business environments, making them high-profile targets for attack.

Code Snippet

The following code snippet can help system administrators and developers understand the vulnerability better:

// Example code snippet can be used to demonstrate the improper access control vulnerability (Please note that this is for educational purposes only and should not be used to exploit any systems)

#include <iostream>
#include <fstream>
#include <string>

int main() {
  std::fstream file;
  std::string line;

  file.open("sensitive_file.txt", std::ios::in);

  // Check if file has been opened successfully & user authentication
  if (file.is_open() && !user_authentication()) { 
    while (getline(file, line))
    {
      std::cout << line << '\n';
    }
    file.close();
  }
  else {
    std::cout << "Access Denied. Please authenticate to read the file.\n";
  }

  return ;
}

bool user_authentication()
{
  // This function should contain proper authentication mechanisms.
  // For the sake of illustrating the vulnerability, we return false
  // which means the authentication checks are bypassed, leading to improper access control.
  return false;
}

Exploits and Mitigation Methods

Exploits targeting the vulnerability might abuse the improper access control to elevate their access privileges, potentially compromising the organization's security. Organizations must take prompt action to mitigate this threat. The following mitigation methods should be applied:

1. Apply the security patches released by Intel: Intel has released patches to address this vulnerability. Users and administrators should immediately apply these patches to protect their systems. The patches can be downloaded from the Intel Download Center (https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/download/19367/intel-ethernet-adapter-complete-driver-pa).

2. Implement proper access controls: Administrators should ensure that appropriate access controls are configured for all system files and functions. Using strong authentication methods and applying the Principle of Least Privilege (POLP) can reduce the risk associated with this vulnerability.

3. Regularly update firmware and software: Maintaining up-to-date firmware and software is crucial in securing your systems against known vulnerabilities. Ensure that your organization has a frequent update schedule for all its devices and software.

4. Monitor for potential exploitation: Administrators should have a comprehensive monitoring system that detects malicious activity on their network. If there is any suspicious activity, they should be prepared to take quick action to mitigate potential threats.

Conclusion

CVE-2021-33162 is an important vulnerability discovered in Intel(R) Ethernet Adapters and Intel(R) Ethernet Controller I225 Manageability Firmware. By exploiting improper access controls in these devices, an attacker could potentially escalate their privileges, gaining unauthorized system access. System administrators and organizations must take immediate action to patch this vulnerability and implement strong access controls to prevent exploitation and protect their systems.

Timeline

Published on: 02/23/2024 21:15:09 UTC
Last modified on: 05/16/2024 21:15:49 UTC