CVE-2021-0106
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability in Intel Optane DC Persistent Memory for Windows software allows authenticated local users to escalate privileges due to incorrect default permissions. It affects systems running vulnerable versions of the software, potentially enabling attackers to gain higher system privileges than intended.
💻 Affected Systems
- Intel Optane DC Persistent Memory for Windows
📦 What is this software?
Ipmctl by Intel
Ipmctl by Intel
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
An authenticated attacker could gain SYSTEM-level privileges, potentially taking full control of the affected system, accessing sensitive data, or installing persistent malware.
Likely Case
An authenticated user with standard privileges could elevate to administrator or SYSTEM privileges, enabling unauthorized configuration changes or data access.
If Mitigated
With proper access controls and least privilege principles, the impact is limited to authorized users who already have some level of system access.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires authenticated local access but leverages default permission misconfigurations, making it relatively straightforward for authenticated attackers.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Version 2.00.00.3842 or 1.00.00.3515
Vendor Advisory: https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/security-center/advisory/intel-sa-00541.html
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Download the updated Intel Optane DC Persistent Memory for Windows software from Intel's website. 2. Run the installer with administrative privileges. 3. Follow the installation wizard. 4. Restart the system when prompted.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict Local Access
windowsLimit local login access to trusted administrators only
Apply Least Privilege
windowsEnsure users only have necessary permissions and cannot execute privileged operations
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict access controls to limit which users can log in locally to affected systems
- Monitor for privilege escalation attempts and review user privilege assignments regularly
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check the installed version of Intel Optane DC Persistent Memory for Windows software via Programs and Features or using PowerShell: Get-WmiObject -Class Win32_Product | Where-Object {$_.Name -like '*Optane*'}Check Version:
Get-WmiObject -Class Win32_Product | Where-Object {$_.Name -like '*Optane*'} | Select-Object Name, VersionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify the software version is 2.00.00.3842 or higher (for v2) or 1.00.00.3515 or higher (for v1)📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unexpected privilege escalation events
- Unauthorized access to Optane management functions
- Changes to Optane configuration by non-admin users
Network Indicators:
- Local system activity only - no network indicators
SIEM Query:
EventID=4672 OR EventID=4688 WHERE SubjectUserName NOT IN (admin_users) AND PrivilegeList CONTAINS 'SeDebugPrivilege' OR 'SeTcbPrivilege'