CVE-2021-47833
📋 TL;DR
CVE-2021-47833 is an unquoted service path vulnerability in WifiHotSpot 1.0.0.0 that allows local attackers to execute arbitrary code with LocalSystem privileges. Attackers can place malicious executables in the unquoted service path directory, which get executed during system startup or reboot. This affects all users running the vulnerable version of WifiHotSpot.
💻 Affected Systems
- WifiHotSpot
⚠️ Manual Verification Required
This CVE does not have specific version information in our database, so automatic vulnerability detection cannot determine if your system is affected.
Why? The CVE database entry doesn't specify which versions are vulnerable (no version ranges provided by the vendor/NVD).
🔒 Custom verification scripts are available for registered users. Sign up free to download automated test scripts.
- Review the CVE details at NVD
- Check vendor security advisories for your specific version
- Test if the vulnerability is exploitable in your environment
- Consider updating to the latest version as a precaution
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Full system compromise with LocalSystem privileges, allowing attackers to install persistent malware, steal credentials, modify system files, and gain complete control over the affected system.
Likely Case
Local privilege escalation leading to installation of backdoors, credential theft, and lateral movement within the network.
If Mitigated
Limited impact with proper endpoint protection, application whitelisting, and service hardening in place.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploit code is publicly available on Exploit-DB (ID 49845). Attack requires local access to the system and ability to write to the service path directory.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Not available
Vendor Advisory: https://wifi-hotspot.gearboxcomputers.com/
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
No official patch available. Uninstall WifiHotSpot 1.0.0.0 and use alternative software. Check vendor website for updated versions.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Quote Service Path
windowsManually add quotes around the service path in Windows Registry to prevent exploitation
sc config WifiHotSpotService binPath= "C:\Program Files\WifiHotSpot\WifiHotSpotService.exe"
Restrict Directory Permissions
windowsRemove write permissions for non-administrative users on the WifiHotSpot installation directory
icacls "C:\Program Files\WifiHotSpot" /deny Users:(OI)(CI)W
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Uninstall WifiHotSpot 1.0.0.0 completely from all systems
- Implement application whitelisting to prevent execution of unauthorized binaries in service directories
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check if WifiHotSpot 1.0.0.0 is installed and if the service path in Registry (HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\WifiHotSpotService) is unquotedCheck Version:
Check Add/Remove Programs or run: wmic product where name="WifiHotSpot" get versionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify service path is quoted in Registry and non-admin users cannot write to WifiHotSpot installation directory📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Windows Event Logs showing unexpected processes running as LocalSystem from WifiHotSpot directory
- Process creation events for executables in WifiHotSpot directory with LocalSystem privileges
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound connections from systems running WifiHotSpot service
SIEM Query:
EventID=4688 AND NewProcessName="*WifiHotSpot*" AND SubjectUserName="SYSTEM"