CVE-2021-0196 – This vulnerability allows an authenticated user... (How to Fix)

Q: What is the severity of CVE-2021-0196?

CVE-2021-0196 has a CVSS score of 7.8 (HIGH). This vulnerability allows an authenticated user with local access to Intel NUC 9 Extreme Laptop Kits to potentially escalate privileges through improper access control in a kernel mode driver. Attackers could gain elevated system privileges by exploiting this flaw. Only users with local authenticated access to affected Intel NUC devices are at risk.

📋 TL;DR

This vulnerability allows an authenticated user with local access to Intel NUC 9 Extreme Laptop Kits to potentially escalate privileges through improper access control in a kernel mode driver. Attackers could gain elevated system privileges by exploiting this flaw. Only users with local authenticated access to affected Intel NUC devices are at risk.

💻 Affected Systems

Products:

Intel NUC 9 Extreme Laptop Kits

Versions: All versions before 2.2.0.20

Operating Systems: Windows, Linux (if using affected driver)

Default Config Vulnerable: ⚠️ Yes

Notes: Only affects systems with the vulnerable Intel kernel mode driver installed. Requires local authenticated access to exploit.

📦 What is this software?

⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact

🔴

Worst Case

An authenticated attacker gains full SYSTEM/root privileges, enabling complete system compromise, installation of persistent malware, and bypass of all security controls.

🟠

Likely Case

Local authenticated users (including low-privilege accounts) escalate to administrative privileges, allowing them to install software, modify system configurations, and access sensitive data.

🟢

If Mitigated

With proper access controls and least privilege principles, impact is limited to the specific compromised user account rather than full system takeover.

🌐 Internet-Facing: LOW - This requires local authenticated access and cannot be exploited remotely over the internet.

🏢 Internal Only: HIGH - This poses significant risk in internal environments where attackers could gain initial access through phishing, compromised accounts, or physical access to devices.

🎯 Exploit Status

Public PoC: ✅ No

Weaponized: UNKNOWN

Unauthenticated Exploit: ✅ No

Complexity: MEDIUM

Requires authenticated local access and kernel driver exploitation knowledge. No public exploit code has been disclosed as of analysis.

🛠️ Fix & Mitigation

✅ Official Fix

Patch Version: 2.2.0.20 or later

Vendor Advisory: https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/security-center/advisory/intel-sa-00553.html

Restart Required: Yes

Instructions:

1. Download updated driver from Intel Support website. 2. Uninstall current driver via Device Manager. 3. Install new driver version 2.2.0.20 or later. 4. Restart system to complete installation.

🔧 Temporary Workarounds

Restrict Local Access

all

Limit physical and remote local access to affected devices to trusted users only.

Disable Vulnerable Driver

windows

Disable or remove the affected kernel mode driver if not required for system functionality.

sc stop [driver_service_name]
sc delete [driver_service_name]

🧯 If You Can't Patch

Implement strict least privilege access controls to limit damage from potential privilege escalation
Monitor for suspicious privilege escalation attempts and kernel driver activity

🔍 How to Verify

Check if Vulnerable:

Check driver version in Device Manager under System devices for Intel NUC driver, or run: driverquery | findstr /i "nuc" on Windows

Check Version:

driverquery /v | findstr /i "nuc" on Windows, or check /sys/class/driver on Linux

Verify Fix Applied:

Verify driver version is 2.2.0.20 or later in Device Manager properties

📡 Detection & Monitoring

Log Indicators:

Unexpected privilege escalation events
Kernel driver loading/modification logs
Failed authorization attempts followed by successful privileged operations

Network Indicators:

None - this is a local privilege escalation vulnerability

SIEM Query:

EventID=4672 (Special privileges assigned) OR EventID=4688 (Process creation) with elevated privileges from non-admin users

📊 Metadata

CVE ID: CVE-2021-0196

CVSS v3 Score: 7.8 (HIGH)

CVSS Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

Published: August 11, 2021

Last Updated: November 21, 2024

🔗 References

https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/security-center/advisory/intel-sa-00553.html Patch,Vendor Advisory
https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/security-center/advisory/intel-sa-00553.html Patch,Vendor Advisory

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