CVE-2021-26258
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability in Intel Killer Control Center software allows authorized users to escalate privileges via local access. It affects users running vulnerable versions of the software on Windows systems. An attacker with standard user privileges could gain higher system permissions.
💻 Affected Systems
- Intel Killer Control Center
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
An authenticated attacker could gain SYSTEM/administrator privileges, potentially leading to full system compromise, data theft, or installation of persistent malware.
Likely Case
Local user could elevate privileges to install unauthorized software, modify system settings, or access restricted files and resources.
If Mitigated
With proper access controls and least privilege principles, impact is limited to the specific user account and local system resources.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires local authenticated access. No public exploit code has been disclosed as of the advisory.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 2.4.3337.0 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/security-center/advisory/intel-sa-00644.html
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Download latest Intel Killer Control Center from Intel website or Microsoft Store. 2. Uninstall current version. 3. Install version 2.4.3337.0 or newer. 4. Restart system.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Uninstall Killer Control Center
windowsRemove the vulnerable software entirely if not needed
Control Panel > Programs > Uninstall a program > Select Intel Killer Control Center > Uninstall
Restrict User Privileges
windowsImplement least privilege access controls to limit potential damage
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Remove Intel Killer Control Center software if not required for business functions
- Implement application whitelisting to prevent unauthorized privilege escalation attempts
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check installed programs for Intel Killer Control Center version below 2.4.3337.0Check Version:
wmic product where "name like 'Intel Killer Control Center%'" get versionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify Intel Killer Control Center version is 2.4.3337.0 or higher in installed programs📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unexpected privilege escalation events
- Process creation with elevated privileges from Killer Control Center
Network Indicators:
- No network indicators - local vulnerability only
SIEM Query:
EventID=4688 AND ProcessName LIKE '%Killer%' AND NewProcessName LIKE '%powershell%' OR NewProcessName LIKE '%cmd%'