CVE-2021-0061
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability in Intel Graphics Drivers allows an authenticated local user to potentially escalate privileges due to improper initialization. It affects systems with vulnerable Intel graphics drivers before version 27.20.100.9030. Attackers could gain higher system privileges than intended.
💻 Affected Systems
- Intel Graphics Drivers
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
An authenticated attacker gains SYSTEM/root privileges, enabling complete system compromise, data theft, persistence installation, and lateral movement.
Likely Case
Local authenticated user escalates to administrator/root privileges, allowing installation of malware, disabling security controls, or accessing sensitive data.
If Mitigated
With proper privilege separation and least privilege principles, impact is limited to the compromised user's scope.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires local authenticated access and knowledge of driver internals. No public exploit code has been disclosed.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 27.20.100.9030 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/security-center/advisory/intel-sa-00508.html
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Download latest Intel Graphics Driver from Intel's website or Windows Update. 2. Run installer with administrative privileges. 3. Follow on-screen instructions. 4. Restart system when prompted.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict local user access
allLimit local user accounts to only trusted personnel to reduce attack surface.
Apply least privilege
allEnsure users operate with minimal necessary privileges to limit potential impact.
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict access controls and monitor for privilege escalation attempts
- Segment vulnerable systems from critical assets and apply network isolation
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check Intel Graphics Driver version in Device Manager (Windows) or via 'lspci -k' and driver info (Linux).Check Version:
Windows: dxdiag (Display tab) or Device Manager > Display adapters > Properties > Driver. Linux: modinfo i915 or check /sys/class/drm/card*/device/ueventVerify Fix Applied:
Confirm driver version is 27.20.100.9030 or higher after update.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unexpected privilege escalation events
- Driver loading failures or crashes
- Suspicious process creation with elevated privileges
Network Indicators:
- None - local exploitation only
SIEM Query:
EventID 4688 (Windows) with elevated token or suspicious parent process, or Linux audit logs showing privilege changes