CVE-2021-0065 in PROSet
Summary
by MITRE • 11/17/2021
Incorrect default permissions in the Intel(R) PROSet/Wireless WiFi software installer for Windows 10 before version 22.40 may allow an authenticated user to potentially enable escalation of privilege via local access.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/21/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-0065 represents a critical security flaw in the Intel PROSet/Wireless WiFi software installer for Windows 10 systems. This issue stems from improper default permission settings during the installation process, creating an avenue for privilege escalation attacks. The vulnerability specifically affects versions of the Intel PROSet/Wireless WiFi software prior to 22.40, indicating that the security flaw was present in the installer's permission handling mechanisms.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the installer's failure to properly configure file and registry permissions during the installation of Intel PROSet/Wireless WiFi components. When the installer creates or modifies system files, registry entries, or service configurations, it establishes default access controls that are overly permissive for authenticated users. This misconfiguration allows a local authenticated user to manipulate the installed components in ways that were not intended by the software developers. The flaw operates under the principle that the installer does not adequately restrict access permissions for critical system components, creating potential attack vectors for privilege escalation.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant risk to Windows 10 systems running affected versions of the Intel PROSet/Wireless WiFi software. An authenticated user who gains access to the system can potentially leverage this flaw to elevate their privileges from standard user level to administrator level. The attack requires local system access and authentication, making it less suitable for remote exploitation but still dangerous in environments where local access is possible or where users have legitimate access to the system. The impact extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it could enable attackers to modify system configurations, install malicious software, or access sensitive data that would otherwise be protected by proper access controls.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-276, which addresses incorrect permissions for critical resources, and falls under the ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation." The flaw demonstrates how installer security misconfigurations can create persistent backdoors within systems, as the improperly set permissions remain active even after system reboots. This type of vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the system level and can be exploited by users who have legitimate access to the system, making detection more difficult.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2021-0065 primarily focus on updating to the patched version of Intel PROSet/Wireless WiFi software, specifically version 22.40 or later. System administrators should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all affected systems receive the necessary updates promptly. Additionally, organizations should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify all systems running affected software versions and implement monitoring for unauthorized changes to system components. The recommended approach includes verifying that the installer properly sets restrictive permissions for all installed files and registry entries, ensuring that only authorized processes can modify critical system components. Network administrators should also consider implementing additional access controls and monitoring mechanisms to detect potential exploitation attempts, as the vulnerability requires local access but can enable significant system compromise once exploited.