CVE-2021-0102
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability in Intel Unite Client for Windows allows authenticated local users to escalate privileges due to insecure inherited permissions. Attackers could gain higher system privileges than intended. Only Windows systems running vulnerable Intel Unite Client versions are affected.
💻 Affected Systems
- Intel Unite Client for Windows
📦 What is this software?
Unite by Intel
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Local authenticated attacker gains SYSTEM/administrator privileges, enabling complete system compromise, data theft, persistence installation, and lateral movement.
Likely Case
Malicious insider or compromised user account escalates to administrator privileges to install malware, steal sensitive data, or disable security controls.
If Mitigated
With proper access controls and monitoring, impact limited to isolated system compromise that can be quickly detected and contained.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires authenticated local access. The CWE-732 (Incorrect Permission Assignment) suggests straightforward exploitation once access is obtained.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 4.2.25031 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/security-center/advisory/intel-sa-00506.html
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Download Intel Unite Client version 4.2.25031 or later from Intel's official site. 2. Run the installer as administrator. 3. Follow installation prompts. 4. Restart the system when prompted.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Remove Intel Unite Client
windowsUninstall Intel Unite Client if not required for business operations
Control Panel > Programs > Uninstall a program > Select Intel Unite Client > Uninstall
Restrict Local Access
allImplement strict local access controls and least privilege principles
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict least privilege access controls to limit who can log in locally
- Enable detailed auditing of privilege escalation attempts and monitor security logs
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check Intel Unite Client version in Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features. If version is below 4.2.25031, system is vulnerable.Check Version:
wmic product where "name like 'Intel Unite%'" get versionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify Intel Unite Client version is 4.2.25031 or higher in Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Windows Event Logs: Security logs showing unexpected privilege escalation
- Application logs showing Intel Unite Client process spawning with elevated privileges
Network Indicators:
- No network indicators - local privilege escalation only
SIEM Query:
EventID=4672 OR EventID=4688 | where ProcessName contains "Intel Unite" | where NewProcessName contains privileged commands