CVE-2021-0064
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows an authenticated user on a Windows system with vulnerable Intel PROSet/Wireless WiFi software to escalate privileges via local access. It affects Windows 10 systems running Intel PROSet/Wireless WiFi software versions before 22.40. The issue stems from insecure inherited permissions in the installer.
💻 Affected Systems
- Intel PROSet/Wireless WiFi software for Windows
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
An authenticated attacker gains SYSTEM/administrator privileges on the local machine, enabling complete system compromise, data theft, persistence installation, and lateral movement.
Likely Case
Local authenticated user elevates to administrator privileges to install malware, modify system settings, or access protected resources.
If Mitigated
With proper access controls and patching, impact is limited to failed privilege escalation attempts with audit logging.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires local authenticated access. The vulnerability is in installer permissions inheritance.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 22.40 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/security-center/advisory/intel-sa-00509.html
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Download Intel PROSet/Wireless WiFi software version 22.40 or later from Intel's website. 2. Run the installer with administrative privileges. 3. Follow the installation wizard. 4. Restart the system when prompted.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Remove vulnerable software
windowsUninstall Intel PROSet/Wireless WiFi software if not required
Control Panel > Programs > Uninstall a program > Select Intel PROSet/Wireless WiFi > Uninstall
Restrict local access
allLimit physical and remote access to affected systems
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict access controls to limit who has local authenticated access to affected systems
- Monitor for privilege escalation attempts using security logging and endpoint detection
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check Intel PROSet/Wireless WiFi software version in Control Panel > Programs > Programs and FeaturesCheck Version:
wmic product where name="Intel PROSet/Wireless WiFi" get versionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify installed version is 22.40 or later in Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Windows Event Logs showing unexpected privilege escalation
- Security logs with unusual process creation by authenticated users
Network Indicators:
- Not applicable - local exploitation only
SIEM Query:
EventID=4688 AND NewProcessName contains *installer* AND SubjectUserName NOT IN (admin_users)