CVE-2021-0180
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability in Intel HAXM software allows local attackers to cause resource exhaustion, potentially leading to privilege escalation. It affects systems running vulnerable versions of Intel HAXM before 7.6.6. Attackers need local access to exploit this vulnerability.
💻 Affected Systems
- Intel Hardware Accelerated Execution Manager (HAXM)
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
An attacker with local access could escalate privileges to gain higher system permissions, potentially compromising the host system.
Likely Case
Local users could cause denial of service through resource exhaustion or potentially gain elevated privileges on affected systems.
If Mitigated
With proper access controls limiting local user privileges, impact would be reduced to denial of service at most.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires local access and knowledge of the vulnerability. No public exploit code has been disclosed.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 7.6.6 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/security-center/advisory/intel-sa-00544.html
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Download HAXM 7.6.6 or later from Intel's website. 2. Uninstall current HAXM version. 3. Install the updated version. 4. Restart the system.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable HAXM
allRemove or disable Intel HAXM if not required for your use case
On Windows: Control Panel > Programs > Uninstall HAXM
On macOS/Linux: Remove HAXM packages
Restrict Local Access
allImplement strict access controls to limit local user privileges on affected systems
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict user privilege separation and limit local user access to affected systems
- Monitor system resource usage for unusual consumption patterns indicating potential exploitation
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check HAXM version: On Windows check installed programs list, on macOS/Linux check package manager for HAXM versionCheck Version:
Windows: Check Programs and Features. macOS/Linux: Check package manager or run 'haxm-version' if availableVerify Fix Applied:
Verify HAXM version is 7.6.6 or higher after update📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual resource consumption patterns
- Multiple failed privilege escalation attempts
Network Indicators:
- None - local attack only
SIEM Query:
Search for: 'HAXM' AND ('resource exhaustion' OR 'privilege escalation') in system logs