CVE-2021-33058
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows an unauthenticated attacker with local access to a Windows system to exploit improper access control in Intel Network Adapter Administrative Tools installer, potentially enabling privilege escalation. It affects users running Intel(R) Administrative Tools for Intel(R) Network Adapters for Windows versions before 1.4.0.21.
💻 Affected Systems
- Intel(R) Administrative Tools for Intel(R) Network Adapters for Windows
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
An attacker gains SYSTEM-level privileges on the affected Windows machine, enabling complete system compromise, data theft, malware installation, and lateral movement within the network.
Likely Case
Local privilege escalation allowing attackers to bypass security controls, install persistent backdoors, or access sensitive system resources.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if proper access controls, least privilege principles, and network segmentation are implemented, though local privilege escalation remains possible.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires local access but no authentication. The vulnerability is in the installer's access control mechanisms.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 1.4.0.21 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/security-center/advisory/intel-sa-00555.html
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Download Intel(R) Administrative Tools for Intel(R) Network Adapters version 1.4.0.21 or later from Intel's website. 2. Run the installer with administrative privileges. 3. Follow the installation wizard. 4. Restart the system when prompted.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Remove vulnerable software
windowsUninstall Intel Network Adapter Administrative Tools if not required
Control Panel > Programs > Uninstall a program > Select 'Intel(R) Administrative Tools for Intel(R) Network Adapters' > Uninstall
Restrict local access
windowsImplement strict access controls to limit who can log in locally to affected systems
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Remove the Intel Network Adapter Administrative Tools software if not essential for operations
- Implement strict least privilege principles and monitor for suspicious local privilege escalation attempts
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check the installed version of Intel Network Adapter Administrative Tools via Control Panel > Programs > Programs and FeaturesCheck Version:
wmic product where "name like 'Intel%Administrative Tools%'" get versionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify that Intel Network Adapter Administrative Tools version is 1.4.0.21 or higher📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Windows Event Logs showing unexpected installer activity, privilege escalation attempts, or unauthorized process execution with elevated privileges
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound connections from systems with Intel network adapter tools after local access events
SIEM Query:
EventID=4688 AND ProcessName LIKE '%Intel%Administrative%Tools%' AND NewProcessName LIKE '%cmd%' OR '%powershell%'