CVE-2021-0098 in Unite Client
Summary
by MITRE • 06/10/2021
Improper access control in the Intel Unite(R) Client for Windows before version 4.2.25031 may allow an authenticated user to potentially enable an escalation of privilege via local access.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/12/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-0098 represents a critical access control flaw within Intel Unite Client software for Windows platforms. This issue affects versions prior to 4.2.25031 and demonstrates a significant security weakness that could be exploited by authenticated users to gain elevated privileges. The Intel Unite Client serves as a remote collaboration and presentation software solution that enables users to share screens and control remote devices, making it a potentially attractive target for privilege escalation attacks within enterprise environments.
The technical flaw stems from improper implementation of access control mechanisms within the client application, specifically when handling local system resources and permissions. The vulnerability allows an authenticated user who already possesses valid credentials to potentially exploit local access points and elevate their privileges beyond the intended scope of their original authentication. This type of flaw typically occurs when the application fails to properly validate or enforce authorization checks before granting access to privileged system functions or resources. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-284 which addresses improper access control issues, where inadequate access control measures permit unauthorized access to protected resources.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability poses substantial risks to organizations deploying Intel Unite Client software, particularly in environments where multiple users share systems or where administrative privileges are not strictly controlled. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could potentially gain system-level access, allowing them to install malicious software, modify critical system files, access sensitive data, or establish persistent backdoors within the compromised system. The local access requirement means that physical or network access to a target system is necessary for exploitation, but once achieved, the privilege escalation could be devastating to the organization's security posture.
The attack vector for this vulnerability typically involves an authenticated user leveraging their existing access to perform local operations that should be restricted. This could occur through various means including social engineering to obtain valid credentials, or by exploiting other initial access vectors to gain the necessary authentication. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under privilege escalation techniques, specifically targeting local privilege escalation methods that exploit application-level access control flaws. Organizations should consider this vulnerability as part of a broader threat landscape where initial access is gained through various means, and the goal is to establish persistent access with elevated privileges.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate remediation through software updates to version 4.2.25031 or later, which contains the necessary access control fixes. System administrators should implement strict access controls and privilege management policies to minimize the impact of potential exploitation, ensuring that users have the minimum necessary permissions for their roles. Network segmentation and monitoring solutions should be employed to detect anomalous access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive security assessments of their Intel Unite Client deployments to identify any potential misconfigurations or additional vulnerabilities that could compound the risk associated with this privilege escalation flaw. Regular security updates and patch management processes should be reinforced to prevent similar issues from arising in other software components within the organization's attack surface.