CVE-2021-0082 in PROSet
Summary
by MITRE • 11/17/2021
Uncontrolled search path in software installer for Intel(R) PROSet/Wireless WiFi in Windows 10 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-2021-0082 resides within the Intel PROSet/Wireless WiFi software installer for Windows 10 systems, representing a critical security flaw that enables authenticated users to potentially escalate privileges through local access. This issue stems from an uncontrolled search path within the installer component, which creates an exploitable condition that adversaries can leverage to gain elevated system privileges. The vulnerability affects Intel PROSet/Wireless WiFi software installations on Windows 10 operating systems, making it particularly concerning given the widespread deployment of Intel wireless networking solutions in enterprise and consumer environments.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in improper handling of the search path during software installation processes, specifically within the Intel PROSet/Wireless WiFi installer implementation. This flaw allows the installer to search for required components in predictable locations without proper validation or sanitization of the search paths. When an authenticated user executes the installer, the system may inadvertently load malicious code from a compromised search path location, leading to privilege escalation. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-427 Uncontrolled Search Path, which specifically addresses situations where applications fail to properly control the search paths used to locate resources, creating opportunities for attackers to inject malicious code.
The operational impact of CVE-2021-0082 extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it provides a potential entry point for more sophisticated attacks within compromised systems. An authenticated user with local access can exploit this vulnerability to execute code with elevated privileges, potentially enabling further lateral movement within networks, data exfiltration, or establishment of persistent backdoors. The attack vector requires local system access and authentication, but once exploited, the consequences can be severe for organizations relying on Intel wireless networking solutions. This vulnerability particularly affects enterprise environments where multiple users have local access to systems running the affected Intel PROSet/Wireless WiFi software, making it a significant concern for security teams managing large deployments.
Security professionals should consider this vulnerability in the context of broader attack frameworks such as the MITRE ATT&CK methodology, where it could map to privilege escalation techniques within the system access and execution phases. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which covers "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation," and potentially T1547.001 for "Registry Run Keys / Startup Folder" if the installer modifies system startup locations. Organizations should implement immediate mitigation strategies including patching affected Intel PROSet/Wireless WiFi installations, implementing application whitelisting policies, and monitoring for unauthorized installer executions. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and secure coding practices in installer components, as it represents a failure to properly isolate and validate search paths during installation processes.
Mitigation efforts should focus on immediate patch deployment from Intel, which addresses the uncontrolled search path issue through proper path validation and sanitization. System administrators should also implement monitoring solutions to detect unauthorized installer executions and establish baseline configurations that prevent exploitation of this vulnerability. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all systems running affected Intel PROSet/Wireless WiFi versions and ensure proper access controls are in place to limit local user privileges where possible. The vulnerability underscores the necessity of secure installation practices and proper path handling in software deployment processes, highlighting the importance of defense-in-depth strategies that protect against both known and unknown vulnerabilities in system components.