CVE-2021-0082
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability in Intel PROSet/Wireless WiFi software for Windows 10 allows authenticated local users to escalate privileges by exploiting an uncontrolled search path in the installer. Attackers could gain higher system privileges than intended. Only Windows 10 systems with affected Intel WiFi software are vulnerable.
💻 Affected Systems
- Intel(R) PROSet/Wireless WiFi Software
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
An authenticated attacker gains SYSTEM-level privileges, enabling complete system compromise, data theft, persistence mechanisms, and lateral movement.
Likely Case
Local authenticated users (including low-privilege accounts) escalate to administrator privileges, allowing installation of malware, configuration changes, and credential harvesting.
If Mitigated
With proper access controls and patching, impact is limited to failed privilege escalation attempts with audit logging.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires local authenticated access. DLL hijacking/search order vulnerability that can be exploited by placing malicious DLL in search path.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 22.40.0.7 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 latest Intel PROSet/Wireless WiFi software from Intel website. 2. Run installer as administrator. 3. Follow installation prompts. 4. Restart system when prompted.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Remove vulnerable software
windowsUninstall Intel PROSet/Wireless WiFi software and use Windows native WiFi drivers instead
Control Panel > Programs > Uninstall a program > Select Intel PROSet/Wireless WiFi > Uninstall
Restrict DLL search path
windowsUse Windows policies to restrict DLL search order and prevent DLL hijacking
Set registry key: HKLM\System\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager\SafeDllSearchMode to 1
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict access controls to limit local user accounts and monitor for privilege escalation attempts
- Use application whitelisting to prevent execution of unauthorized DLLs in system directories
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check Intel PROSet/Wireless WiFi software version in Control Panel > Programs and Features. Versions below 22.40.0.7 are vulnerable.Check Version:
wmic product where "name like 'Intel%%PROSet%%Wireless%%'" get versionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify installed version is 22.40.0.7 or higher in Control Panel > Programs and Features.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Windows Event Logs: Security ID 4688 (process creation) showing DLL loading from unusual paths
- Application logs showing Intel PROSet/Wireless installer activity
Network Indicators:
- No network indicators - local privilege escalation only
SIEM Query:
EventID=4688 AND (ProcessName="*PROSet*" OR ProcessName="*WiFi*") AND CommandLine contains "DLL"