CVE-2021-0084
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows authenticated local users to escalate privileges on Linux systems using Intel Ethernet Controllers X722 and 800 series with vulnerable RDMA drivers. Attackers can exploit improper input validation to gain elevated system access. Only affects systems with these specific Intel network controllers and the vulnerable driver.
💻 Affected Systems
- Intel Ethernet Controllers X722 series
- Intel Ethernet Controllers 800 series
📦 What is this software?
Ethernet Controller E810 Firmware by Intel
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Local authenticated attacker gains root privileges, enabling complete system compromise, data theft, persistence establishment, and lateral movement.
Likely Case
Privileged user or compromised account escalates to root to install malware, steal credentials, or maintain persistence.
If Mitigated
With proper access controls and patching, impact limited to denial of service or system instability.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires authenticated local access and knowledge of driver interaction. No public exploit code available as of analysis.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 1.3.19 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/security-center/advisory/intel-sa-00515.html
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Update Linux kernel RDMA driver to version 1.3.19 or later. 2. Update via distribution package manager (yum update, apt upgrade). 3. Reboot system to load new driver.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable RDMA functionality
linuxRemove or blacklist the vulnerable RDMA driver module
modprobe -r ib_core
echo 'blacklist ib_core' >> /etc/modprobe.d/blacklist.conf
Restrict local user access
allImplement strict access controls to limit who can log in locally
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict principle of least privilege for all local user accounts
- Monitor for suspicious privilege escalation attempts and driver manipulation
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check RDMA driver version: modinfo ib_core | grep versionCheck Version:
modinfo ib_core | grep versionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify driver version is 1.3.19 or later: modinfo ib_core | grep version📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Failed privilege escalation attempts
- Suspicious driver module loading/unloading
- Unexpected root access from non-admin users
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound connections following local privilege escalation
SIEM Query:
source="kernel" AND "privilege escalation" OR "ib_core" AND "failed"