CVE-2021-0006 in Ethernet Adapter 800 Controller
Summary
by MITRE • 08/11/2021
Improper conditions check in firmware for Intel(R) Ethernet Adapters 800 Series Controllers and associated adapters before version 1.5.4.0 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
This vulnerability resides in the firmware of Intel Ethernet Adapters 800 Series Controllers and their associated network adapters, specifically affecting versions prior to 1.5.4.0. The issue stems from inadequate validation of conditions within the firmware implementation, creating a potential pathway for exploitation that could result in denial of service conditions. The vulnerability is classified as a privilege escalation risk since it requires a privileged user account to exploit, though the attack vector remains local access. This represents a significant concern for network infrastructure security as it allows authenticated users to potentially disrupt network services through firmware-level manipulation. The improper conditions check creates a logical flaw where the firmware fails to properly validate input parameters or system states before executing critical operations. This weakness falls under the CWE category of insufficient validation of conditions, which is a common vulnerability pattern that allows attackers to manipulate program flow through unexpected parameter states.
The technical impact of this vulnerability manifests when a privileged user executes specific sequences that trigger the flawed firmware logic. The local access requirement means that the attacker must already have authenticated access to the system, typically through legitimate administrative credentials or user accounts with sufficient privileges. This limitation reduces the attack surface compared to remote exploits but still represents a serious security concern for environments where privileged accounts are compromised or where insider threats exist. The firmware-level nature of the vulnerability means that traditional network security controls may not effectively prevent exploitation, as the attack operates at a lower system level. This characteristic places the vulnerability in the ATT&CK framework under the T1068 technique for 'Local Port Knocking' and potentially T1566 for 'Phishing' if the privilege escalation occurs through social engineering.
The operational impact extends beyond simple denial of service as this vulnerability could potentially lead to complete network disruption for systems relying on these adapters. Network administrators may face challenges in detecting exploitation attempts since the attack occurs at the firmware level and may not generate typical network security alerts. The vulnerability affects the reliability and availability of network services, particularly in enterprise environments where continuous network connectivity is critical. Systems that depend on Intel 800 Series controllers for network operations could experience complete service interruption, requiring manual intervention to restore functionality. The localized nature of the attack means that organizations must ensure proper access controls and privilege management to prevent unauthorized users from leveraging this vulnerability. This weakness could also serve as a stepping stone for more sophisticated attacks, as compromised privileged accounts could potentially be used to escalate privileges further within the network infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate firmware updates to version 1.5.4.0 or later, which addresses the improper conditions check vulnerability. Organizations should implement strict access controls and privilege management policies to limit the number of users with elevated system access. Network segmentation and monitoring solutions should be deployed to detect unusual patterns of local system access that might indicate exploitation attempts. Security teams should conduct regular firmware inventory assessments to identify systems running vulnerable versions and prioritize remediation efforts. Additionally, implementing principle of least privilege controls and regular security audits can help reduce the risk of unauthorized users accessing systems with sufficient privileges to exploit this vulnerability. The remediation process should include thorough testing of firmware updates in controlled environments before deployment to production systems to ensure compatibility and prevent unintended service disruptions.