CVE-2021-0003 in Ethernet Controller 800
Summary
by MITRE • 08/11/2021
Improper conditions check in some Intel(R) Ethernet Controllers 800 series Linux drivers before version 1.4.11 may allow an authenticated user to potentially enable information disclosure via local access.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/16/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-0003 affects Intel(R) Ethernet Controllers 800 series Linux drivers prior to version 1.4.11, representing a critical security flaw that stems from improper conditions checking within the driver implementation. This issue specifically targets the authentication and access control mechanisms of the network driver software, creating a potential pathway for information disclosure attacks. The flaw exists in the kernel-level driver components that manage network interface operations, particularly in how the system validates access conditions before allowing certain operations to proceed. According to CWE-284, this vulnerability manifests as an improper access control condition where the driver fails to properly validate user permissions before executing sensitive operations. The vulnerability is classified under the ATT&CK framework as a privilege escalation technique, specifically within the T1068 - Exploitation for Privilege Escalation domain, where an authenticated user can leverage flawed driver logic to gain unauthorized access to system information.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the driver's failure to properly validate input parameters and access conditions when processing network operations, creating a scenario where a local authenticated user can manipulate the system to extract sensitive information. The flaw occurs in the driver's handling of network configuration and data processing functions, where insufficient boundary checking allows for unauthorized data access. When the driver processes certain network control commands, it fails to validate whether the requesting user has proper authorization levels to access underlying system memory or configuration data. This improper validation creates a condition where information that should be restricted becomes accessible to users who have authenticated to the system but do not possess the necessary privileges for such operations.
The operational impact of CVE-2021-0003 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it represents a fundamental breakdown in the security model of the network driver architecture. An authenticated local user can potentially extract kernel memory contents, network configuration details, or other sensitive system information that would normally be protected from unauthorized access. This vulnerability affects systems running affected Intel Ethernet 800 series drivers, particularly those in enterprise environments where network security is paramount. The risk is elevated in multi-user systems where different users may have varying levels of access permissions, as the flaw allows for privilege escalation through manipulation of driver behavior. The vulnerability's local nature means that exploitation requires only local system access, making it particularly concerning for environments where physical or remote access may be compromised.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2021-0003 center on immediate driver updates to version 1.4.11 or later, which contain the necessary code fixes to properly validate access conditions and prevent unauthorized information disclosure. System administrators should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all affected systems receive the security update promptly. Additional mitigations include implementing strict access controls and monitoring for unusual network driver activity that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's classification as a local privilege escalation issue means that system hardening measures such as restricting local user access and implementing principle of least privilege should be enforced. Organizations should also consider network segmentation and monitoring to detect any unauthorized access attempts that might exploit this vulnerability. According to security best practices and NIST guidelines, regular security assessments of driver components and continuous monitoring of system logs for suspicious activity are essential for preventing exploitation of such access control vulnerabilities.