CVE-2021-0108 in Unite Client
Summary
by MITRE • 06/10/2021
Uncontrolled search path 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-2021-0108 represents a significant security weakness in Intel Unite(R) Client software for Windows platforms. This issue affects versions prior to 4.2.25031 and stems from improper handling of search paths during application execution. The flaw specifically impacts authenticated users who possess local access to affected systems, creating a potential pathway for privilege escalation attacks. The vulnerability manifests when the application fails to properly validate or restrict the directories it searches for required components, leading to potential code injection or execution of malicious payloads from unauthorized locations within the system's search path.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-427 Uncontrolled Search Path, which occurs when an application searches for files or libraries using a path that includes user-controllable elements without proper sanitization. In the context of Intel Unite Client, this manifests when the application's dynamic linking or file resolution mechanisms do not adequately verify the authenticity or integrity of components loaded from potentially compromised directories. Attackers can exploit this by placing malicious executables or libraries in directories that appear earlier in the search path, allowing them to execute code with the privileges of the running application. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires only local authentication and access, making it exploitable in scenarios where an attacker has already gained user-level credentials on the target system.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates a serious risk for organizations relying on Intel Unite Client for remote collaboration and management functions. The privilege escalation capability could allow attackers to gain elevated system privileges, potentially enabling them to install persistent backdoors, access sensitive data, or compromise other system resources. The attack vector is relatively straightforward since it requires only local access and authentication, which may be obtained through various means such as phishing attacks, credential theft, or physical access to devices. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where multiple users have local access to workstations running the affected software, especially in remote work scenarios where security controls may be less stringent.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2021-0108 should focus on immediate software updates to version 4.2.25031 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the uncontrolled search path issue. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure all instances of the affected software are updated promptly across their networks. Additionally, system administrators should conduct thorough security assessments of affected systems to identify any potential exploitation attempts and implement monitoring for suspicious file creation or modification activities in system directories. The implementation of least privilege principles and regular security audits can help minimize the impact if exploitation occurs, while network segmentation and access controls can limit the lateral movement capabilities of attackers who might gain initial access through other means. This vulnerability also underscores the importance of adhering to secure coding practices and conducting regular security reviews of third-party software components to identify and remediate similar path traversal issues in other applications.