CVE-2021-0096
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows an authenticated user with local access to potentially escalate privileges on affected Intel NUC systems. It affects users of specific Intel NUC models (NUC7i3DN, NUC7i5DN, NUC7i7DN) who have the HDMI Firmware Update Tool installed. The improper authentication flaw could enable attackers to gain higher system privileges than intended.
💻 Affected Systems
- Intel NUC HDMI Firmware Update Tool
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
An authenticated attacker could gain SYSTEM/root privileges, install malware, access sensitive data, or maintain persistent access to the system.
Likely Case
Local authenticated users could elevate their privileges to install unauthorized software or modify system configurations.
If Mitigated
With proper access controls and patching, the risk is limited to authorized users who already have some level of system access.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires authenticated local access to the system. No public exploit code has been disclosed.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 1.78.1.1 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/security-center/advisory/intel-sa-00568.html
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Download the updated HDMI Firmware Update Tool version 1.78.1.1 or later from Intel's website. 2. Run the installer as administrator. 3. Follow the installation prompts. 4. Restart the system when prompted.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Remove vulnerable tool
windowsUninstall the HDMI Firmware Update Tool if not needed
Control Panel > Programs > Uninstall a program > Select 'Intel NUC HDMI Firmware Update Tool' > Uninstall
Restrict local access
allLimit physical and remote local access to affected systems
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Remove the HDMI Firmware Update Tool from affected systems
- Implement strict access controls and monitor for privilege escalation attempts
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check if HDMI Firmware Update Tool is installed and check its version. On Windows: Control Panel > Programs > Look for 'Intel NUC HDMI Firmware Update Tool' and check version.Check Version:
On Windows with tool installed: Check version in Control Panel > Programs or run the tool and check About/Help section.Verify Fix Applied:
Verify the tool version is 1.78.1.1 or later after update. Check that the tool functions correctly for legitimate HDMI firmware updates.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual privilege escalation events
- Multiple failed authentication attempts followed by successful privileged access
- Installation of unauthorized software by standard users
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound connections from affected NUC systems
- Lateral movement attempts from NUC systems
SIEM Query:
EventID=4688 AND ProcessName LIKE '%HDMI Firmware Update%' AND NewProcessName LIKE '%cmd%' OR '%powershell%'