CVE-2021-0004 in Ethernet Adapter 800 Controller
Summary
by MITRE • 08/11/2021
Improper buffer restrictions in the firmware of Intel(R) Ethernet Adapters 800 Series Controllers and associated adapters before version 1.5.3.0 may allow a privileged user to potentially enable denial of service via local access.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/16/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-0004 represents a critical buffer overflow issue affecting Intel Ethernet Adapters 800 Series Controllers and their associated hardware components. This flaw exists within the firmware implementation of these network interface controllers, specifically impacting systems that utilize the affected hardware prior to firmware version 1.5.3.0. The vulnerability classification aligns with CWE-121, which addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and potentially CWE-787, concerning out-of-bounds write operations that occur when a buffer is accessed beyond its allocated bounds.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and buffer size enforcement mechanisms within the firmware code. When a privileged user executes specific operations through local access to the affected hardware, the system fails to properly restrict buffer boundaries, creating opportunities for memory corruption. This condition can be exploited to cause system instability, potentially leading to complete system crashes or denial of service scenarios that disrupt normal network operations and data transmission capabilities.
From an operational perspective, the impact of CVE-2021-0004 extends beyond simple service disruption to potentially compromise entire network infrastructure reliability. Systems utilizing affected Intel 800 Series controllers may experience unexpected downtime, network partitioning, and loss of connectivity that can severely impact enterprise operations, particularly in mission-critical environments where continuous network availability is paramount. The local access requirement means that exploitation typically requires physical or administrative privileges, but this limitation does not prevent the vulnerability from being leveraged in targeted attacks against high-value targets.
The vulnerability's alignment with ATT&CK framework tactics demonstrates its potential for enabling persistent system disruption and resource exhaustion attacks. Specifically, this flaw can support techniques categorized under privilege escalation and denial of service operations, where adversaries might use the vulnerability to maintain persistent access or systematically degrade system performance. Network administrators should consider this vulnerability as part of broader security assessments, particularly when evaluating the resilience of network infrastructure against targeted attacks that exploit firmware-level weaknesses.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2021-0004 primarily focus on firmware updates and system hardening measures. Organizations should immediately deploy firmware version 1.5.3.0 or later releases from Intel to address the buffer restriction issues. Additionally, implementing network segmentation and access controls can help limit the potential impact of local privilege exploitation. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual network behavior patterns that might indicate attempted exploitation of this vulnerability, particularly in environments where physical access controls are insufficient to prevent privileged user abuse. Regular firmware inventory management and vulnerability scanning processes should be enhanced to identify and remediate similar firmware-level weaknesses across the enterprise network infrastructure.