CVE-2021-0052
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability in Intel's Computing Improvement Program allows authenticated local users to escalate privileges due to incorrect default permissions. It affects systems running vulnerable versions of the software, potentially enabling attackers to gain higher system access than intended.
💻 Affected Systems
- Intel(R) Computing Improvement Program
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
An authenticated attacker could gain SYSTEM/root privileges, install malware, modify system files, or establish persistence on the compromised system.
Likely Case
Local users could elevate their privileges to install unauthorized software, access restricted data, or modify system configurations.
If Mitigated
With proper access controls and least privilege principles, the impact is limited to authorized users who already have some system access.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires authenticated local access. The vulnerability involves incorrect default permissions which could be exploited through various local privilege escalation techniques.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 2.4.6522 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/security-center/advisory/intel-sa-00530.html
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Download Intel Computing Improvement Program version 2.4.6522 or later from Intel's website or Windows Update. 2. Run the installer. 3. Restart the system when prompted.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Uninstall Intel Computing Improvement Program
windowsRemove the vulnerable software entirely if not needed
Control Panel > Programs > Uninstall a program > Select 'Intel(R) Computing Improvement Program' > Uninstall
Restrict Access Permissions
windowsManually adjust file and registry permissions for the Intel Computing Improvement Program
icacls "C:\Program Files\Intel\Intel(R) Computing Improvement Program" /deny Users:(OI)(CI)F
icacls "C:\ProgramData\Intel\Intel(R) Computing Improvement Program" /deny Users:(OI)(CI)F
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict least privilege principles and monitor for unusual privilege escalation attempts
- Segment networks to limit lateral movement if local privilege escalation occurs
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check the installed version of Intel Computing Improvement Program in Control Panel > Programs > Programs and FeaturesCheck Version:
wmic product where "name like 'Intel(R) Computing Improvement Program%'" get versionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify the version is 2.4.6522 or higher after update📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Windows Event Logs showing privilege escalation attempts
- Process creation events for Intel Computing Improvement Program with unusual parent processes
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound connections from systems with Intel Computing Improvement Program
SIEM Query:
EventID=4688 AND ProcessName="Intel(R) Computing Improvement Program" AND ParentProcessName NOT IN ("services.exe", "svchost.exe")