CVE-2021-33062
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows authenticated local users to escalate privileges due to incorrect default permissions in Intel VTune Profiler installer. It affects users running VTune Profiler versions before 2021.3.0 on systems where the software is installed.
💻 Affected Systems
- Intel VTune Profiler
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
An authenticated attacker could gain SYSTEM/root privileges on the affected system, potentially leading to complete system compromise, data theft, or installation of persistent malware.
Likely Case
A local user with standard privileges could elevate to administrative rights, allowing them to modify system configurations, install software, or access restricted data.
If Mitigated
With proper access controls and least privilege principles, the impact is limited to users who already have some level of local access to the system.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires local authenticated access and knowledge of the vulnerable permissions configuration.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 2021.3.0 and later
Vendor Advisory: https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/security-center/advisory/intel-sa-00556.html
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Download VTune Profiler 2021.3.0 or later from Intel's website. 2. Uninstall previous versions. 3. Install the updated version. 4. Restart the system.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Manual Permission Correction
allManually adjust file and directory permissions to remove excessive write access for non-admin users
Review and correct permissions on VTune Profiler installation directories using appropriate OS permission tools
Remove Unused Installations
allUninstall VTune Profiler if not actively needed
Use system uninstaller or package manager to remove VTune Profiler
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict access controls to limit who can log into systems with VTune Profiler installed
- Apply principle of least privilege and monitor for unusual privilege escalation attempts
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check VTune Profiler version: On Windows check Programs and Features, on Linux check package manager or run 'vtune --version'Check Version:
vtune --version (if in PATH) or check installation directory propertiesVerify Fix Applied:
Verify installed version is 2021.3.0 or later and check that file permissions in installation directory are properly restricted📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unexpected privilege escalation events
- Access to VTune Profiler installation directories by non-admin users
- Installation of new VTune Profiler versions
Network Indicators:
- No network indicators - local privilege escalation only
SIEM Query:
Search for: 'privilege escalation' AND 'VTune' OR 'process creation' with parent process related to VTune installation